[51536] Lebanon on the verge of internal collapse: Aoun postpones meeting with Netanyahu

Tension in Lebanon and relations with Israel

The political and social system in Lebanon is at a boiling point. According to reports on Kan 11 | Arab-Palestinian Desk and News Arena, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has decided to postpone a planned meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the Lebanese newspaper 'Al-Akhbar', which is identified with a critical line toward the West and Israel, Aoun received briefings that the meeting would not serve his country's interests at this stage, especially in light of the lack of American pressure for a ceasefire.

Epoch - Magazine | News | Commentary note that Aoun believes the current timing is not right, while sources on News in Real Time on Telegram quote the president as saying: "We must first reach a security agreement and stop the Israeli strikes." Conversely, reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has encouraged direct negotiations at high levels but fears that a meeting with Netanyahu could lead to internal escalation that would strengthen the power of Hezbollah.

Internal disintegration and increasing violence

Parallel to the diplomatic arena, experts warn of destructive deep-seated processes within Lebanon. Col. (res.) Dr. Jacques Neriah, writing for 301 News The Arab World, describes a reality where "internal discourse is raging, and the path to violence is short." According to him, the demographic changes created in the wake of mass evacuations from the south are creating friction between the different sects, something that could lead to an "even deeper collapse."

On the Israeli front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the diplomatic and security burden in response to his testimony. As published on Security Flashes 24/7, Netanyahu expressed frustration with the discussion surrounding his schedule and said: "I spoke with 4 heads of state, with President Trump... and with Arab leaders... and that is without talking about 3 meetings with the security leadership."