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Lebanon finds itself at a critical political impasse as the implementation of the framework agreement — negotiated to govern an Israeli withdrawal from southern "pilot zones" — continues to face significant obstacles. Resistance comes simultaneously from Israeli and Hezbollah quarters, while Lebanese political figures remain sharply divided over the deal's legitimacy, scope, and long-term strategic implications for national sovereignty.

Details:

Al-Markazia reports that anticipation is growing in Lebanon over the launch of the first phase of Israeli withdrawal from the southern pilot zones, yet no confirmed timeline exists. The outlet notes that both Israel and Hezbollah have signaled opposition to the arrangement, leaving the tripartite committee — whose formation is still underway — without a clear operational mandate. President Joseph Aoun has responded to critics by stating: "This is a framework, not an agreement with Israel," while challenging opponents to present an alternative path forward.

Al-Markazia further reports that Maronite Patriarch Mar Beshara Boutros al-Rahi delivered a stark warning, declaring that Lebanon faces a binary choice: "either the framework agreement is implemented, or we return to war and destruction." His statement underscores the urgency felt in religious and civil quarters, where the ceasefire remains fragile and Israeli drone activity over wide areas of southern Lebanon continues to be documented. Separately, Israeli Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir was reported, by Al-Markazia, speaking from the heights of Beaufort Castle, claiming his forces "control its key positions" and characterizing Hezbollah as "exhausted and defeated."

Tayyar.org reports that member of parliament Wael Abu Faour, of the Democratic Gathering bloc, publicly criticized the framework deal, calling the omission of any explicit reference to a ceasefire "a major error that should have been corrected." He further argued that the pilot zones concept "will prove its failure" and warned it risks inflaming internal Lebanese tensions. Meanwhile, Tayyar.org also published a response from Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea to Walid Jumblatt, who has been distributing copies of his French-language memoir, saying pointedly: "History does not go backward." Hezbollah MP Ali Ammar, cited by Islam Times, accused the Lebanese authorities of making "wrong choices" since signing the framework agreement and called on officials to respond to what he termed "insolent" Israeli statements.

Al-Markazia reports that Iranian Majlis Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, meeting with a senior Hezbollah delegation led by former minister Mohammad Fneish, stated that "establishing peace in Lebanon and the region is impossible except through Iran's path," signaling Tehran's continued insistence on remaining a central actor in any southern Lebanon settlement.

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