Joseph Aoun

The Lebanese government's equivocation means that Hezbollah could yet survive in perhaps a more limited, but still highly dangerous, form.

“Hezbollah is recovering day by day, and patience - both Israel’s and America’s - is beginning to run out, which may lead to an escalation in activity,” the officials said.

The two adversaries are signaling openness to a different relationship with Israel, and it is imperative that Jerusalem grasp the opportunity with both hands.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun announced that the army will launch a peace initiative in southern Lebanon, taking control of additional positions along the border.

Aoun added that talks would also involve the IDF withdrawing from the five outposts in Lebanese territory, where the military said in they would each be manned by a company of troops.

“That’s a puzzle for me. They ask for negotiations, and when we show readiness, they don’t agree to the rendezvous,” said Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

After a high-level visit by US officials, including senior director for counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka, this week, the Lebanese leadership continues to appear to be dragging its feet on disarmament.

Samy Gemayel said he would back negotiations even if they required the involvement of President Joseph Aoun, emphasizing that the priority must be to end the war and preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty.

BEHIND THE LINES: Although the IDF has greatly weakened Hezbollah, the Iranian terror proxy is replenishing and recruiting to combat disarmament efforts.

"We affirm our legitimate right to resist occupation and aggression and to stand by our army and our people to protect the sovereignty of our country," Hezbollah said.