Escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border are drawing increased international attention, as recent airstrikes and ground operations raise concerns about a wider conflict.Diplomatic efforts are underway-including visits from Omani and French officials-too de-escalate the situation and address the underlying issues of regional stability and armed groups within Lebanon. These efforts come as Israel reportedly prepares for a potential surge in military activity following the holiday period, aiming to disarm Hezbollah amidst heightened military readiness on both sides of the border.
Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern and northern Lebanon have heightened concerns about potential escalation, though diplomatic efforts continue to focus on a negotiated resolution and the enforcement of state control over weaponry within Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concluded a formal visit to Oman on Tuesday, where he met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The visit, prompted by an official invitation from the Sultan, comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and underscores Oman’s role as a key negotiator.
During the visit, Aoun emphasized the potential for strengthened economic, commercial, cultural, and educational cooperation between Lebanon and Oman, stating, “The Lebanese people look forward to new horizons of cooperation between Lebanon and the Sultanate.” Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, in turn, affirmed Oman’s interest in the situation in Lebanon and its commitment to fostering closer ties, highlighting the contributions of Lebanese residents in Oman.
Aoun praised Oman’s “wise and responsible role” on regional and international stages, noting its commitment to dialogue, mediation, and peaceful conflict resolution. He also expressed appreciation for Oman’s support of Lebanon in international forums and its assistance during challenging times.
Meanwhile, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian continued meetings with Lebanese leaders, including Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. According to reports, Berri stressed the need for an end to Israeli aggression. Le Drian’s visit is seen as a demonstration of French support for the appointment of former Ambassador Simon Karam as the head of the Lebanese negotiating team. Discussions also touched on the importance of holding parliamentary elections on schedule.
Le Drian also met with Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolph Hakeel, discussing ways to support the military amidst current challenges. The meeting precedes a planned gathering in Paris on December 18, involving Le Drian, French Presidential Advisor Anne-Claire Legendre, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan, and Hakeel, to prepare for a conference aimed at bolstering support for the Lebanese army early next year.
The French envoy also held talks with former MP Walid Jumblatt and Progressive Socialist Party leader Timur Jumblatt, as well as Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea and Kataeb Party MP Sami Gemayel. Later, Le Drian met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati for a working dinner with several ministers.
Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during a reception commemorating Qatar’s National Day. “Qatar has never hesitated to stand by Lebanon and support it in overcoming crises,” he said, adding that Qatar will continue to support the Lebanese army in coordination with the United States, reflecting its dedication to Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
On the ground, Israel resumed military operations in southern Lebanon, with the Israeli army conducting a sweep with machine guns from Hamamcs hill towards the Marjayoun plain. Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes late Monday and early Tuesday, targeting locations in the south, including the peaks of Iqlim al-Tuffah, Mount Saffi, Wadi Roumin, and the outskirts of the towns of Jibaa and Wadi Ezza between the Nabatieh and Sidon districts. An Israeli force infiltrated the center of the town of Adayssa early Tuesday and detonated a house on the main road. Another Israeli force infiltrated the outskirts of the city of Al-Khiam overnight, detonating a house in the Wadi al-Asafir area near the slaughterhouse.
Israeli newspaper *Maariv* reported that assessments in Tel Aviv suggest a potential escalation of Israeli military activity after weather conditions improve and the Christmas and New Year holidays pass, with the goal of completing the process of disarming Hezbollah. The Northern Command of the Israeli army warned that harsh weather conditions, including fog and reduced visibility, could provide Hezbollah with an opportunity to transfer weapons and ammunition or deploy its Radwan Force for operations against Israel. The army stated it has raised its level of readiness and preparedness on the northern border to counter any potential movement.
====
n = f.fbq = function () {
n.callMethod ? n.callMethod.apply(n, arguments) : n.queue.push(arguments)
};
if (!f._fbq)
f._fbq = n;
n.push = n;
n.loaded = !0;
n.version = '2.0';
n.queue = [];
t = b.createElement(e);
t.async = !0;
t.src = v;
s = b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t, s)
}(window, document, 'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js');
fbq('init', '419316141842990');
fbq('track', 'PageView');
