The Lebanese government has officially announced that the Lebanese army needs at least an additional four months to complete the second phase of the national plan to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This announcement comes at a highly sensitive time, as the country faces complex field challenges, including ongoing Israeli violations and attacks, as well as logistical obstacles hindering the military's movements on the ground.

Details of the second phase and field deployment

Following a cabinet meeting, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos explained that the government reviewed the monthly report submitted by the army command regarding the progress of the "weapons control" plan. He indicated that the second phase, which requires an extension, covers the strategic geographical area extending from the Litani River in the south to the Awali River in the north (at the entrance to Sidon). This area is vital for ensuring the stability of the south and militarily isolating the border regions from the rest of Lebanon.

The government had approved this plan last August, and the army announced in January the completion of the first phase, which covered the entire area south of the Litani River. However, Israel deemed the measures taken insufficient to guarantee its security, prompting it to continue its localized military operations.

The post-war context of 2024 and security fragility

These developments gain significance from their timing, as Lebanon attempts to solidify the ceasefire reached in November 2014 after more than a year of bloody clashes between Hezbollah and Israel. Despite the agreement, Israeli forces continue to occupy five strategic hills inside Lebanese territory, violating the terms of a complete withdrawal, and persist in launching airstrikes under the pretext of preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities.

Sharp internal division and Hezbollah's position

In contrast, the government's move provoked angry reactions from Hezbollah's leadership, reflecting the depth of the internal political crisis. The party's deputy secretary-general, Naim Qassem, launched a scathing attack on the government's plan, describing the focus on disarmament at this time as a "grave sin." Qassem argued that these steps serve the Israeli agenda and weaken Lebanon's defense position, accusing the government of making gratuitous concessions that encourage Tel Aviv to escalate its aggression. He called for an immediate halt to all measures related to disarming the militias.

Strategic and international dimensions

This issue has dimensions that extend beyond the local sphere, as the international community, particularly the states sponsoring the ceasefire agreement, is closely monitoring the Lebanese state's ability to fully assert its sovereignty over its territory. The army's success in this endeavor is a true test of the implementation of international resolutions and a guarantee against the region sliding into a new regional war. The announced four-month delay could place Lebanon under additional diplomatic pressure, amid concerns that Israel might use this delay as a pretext to expand its military operations or consolidate its occupation of the strategic points it currently controls.

In a new step reflecting the continued diplomatic momentum between the two regional powers, Deputy Foreign Minister Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji received, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh, the Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Shura Council, Ibrahim Reza Azizi, and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting included a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, where the two sides discussed ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields, with particular focus on aspects of cooperation related to the Shura Councils in both countries, in a way that serves common interests and enhances institutional communication frameworks.

The reception was attended on the Saudi side by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Shura Council, Mr. Aqla bin Ali Al-Aqla, and on the Iranian side by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom, Ali Reza Enayati, which reflects the importance that both sides attach to this course of talks.

Context of resuming diplomatic relations

This visit comes in the context of a remarkable development in Saudi-Iranian relations since the historic agreement reached in Beijing in March 2023. The agreement stipulated the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the reopening of embassies and diplomatic missions, which has already been implemented, as the two countries exchanged ambassadors and official reciprocal visits resumed at high levels, including visits by foreign ministers and security and economic officials.

The importance of parliamentary diplomacy

This meeting is particularly significant as it focuses on “parliamentary diplomacy,” given the vital role played by the consultative councils of both countries in fostering political understanding through legislative and oversight channels. Cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saudi Shura Council and the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament represents a significant step towards institutionalizing relations, moving beyond mere traditional diplomatic communication to building bridges between legislative bodies. This, in turn, contributes to aligning perspectives on regional and international issues.

Regional and international impact

Observers view the continued pace of meetings between Riyadh and Tehran with cautious optimism, anticipating that this rapprochement will positively impact the stability of the Middle East. Ongoing coordination between the two countries is a cornerstone for reducing regional tensions and enhancing opportunities for economic and security cooperation. Furthermore, strengthening bilateral relations aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which adopts a policy of "zero problems" and focuses on economic development and regional prosperity. This necessitates a stable geopolitical environment and good neighborly relations based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

Riyadh – SPA:

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a written message today, Monday, from His Excellency Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq. The message addressed the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries, and discussed ways to support and strengthen them in various fields to serve their common interests.

The message was received on behalf of His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs by His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Multilateral International Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, during his meeting today at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh with the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Safia Taleb Al-Suhail.

During the reception, the strong bilateral relations between Riyadh and Baghdad were reviewed, and a number of regional and international issues of common interest were discussed, within the framework of ongoing coordination between the two countries.

An upward trajectory in Saudi-Iraqi relations

This message comes amidst active diplomatic efforts and the remarkable growth witnessed in Saudi-Iraqi relations in recent years. Both countries are striving to build a sustainable strategic partnership based on shared values, geographical proximity, and deep historical and social ties. The Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council has played a pivotal role in framing this cooperation, contributing to significant advancements in political, security, and economic coordination.

The importance of joint coordination in light of regional challenges

Continued communication between the two countries' foreign ministers is of particular importance given the delicate circumstances the region is experiencing, which necessitate the highest levels of coordination and consultation. Political circles view the Saudi-Iraqi rapprochement as a cornerstone of regional stability, as Riyadh and Baghdad work together to enhance regional security, combat terrorism, and eliminate the sources of extremism, in addition to working towards resolving crises through diplomatic means.

Prospects for economic and investment cooperation

On the economic front, relations are witnessing tangible progress, exemplified by electricity interconnection projects, increased trade volume through the new Arar border crossing, and growing Saudi investments in the Iraqi market. The exchange of messages between the leadership and officials of both countries underscores a strong desire to remove all obstacles facing the private sector in both nations, thereby enhancing economic integration for the benefit and prosperity of both brotherly peoples.