Beirut, May 17 (SANA) Lebanon remains caught between fragile diplomacy and renewed military escalation as continued Israeli strikes and cross-border attacks test an extended 45-day ceasefire agreement.
Israeli warplanes launched strikes on several areas in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa, while artillery shelling targeted border towns, triggering new displacement toward Sidon and Beirut amid fears of a broader confrontation.
In response, Hezbollah said it had targeted Israeli military positions and vehicles along the border with rockets and explosive drones. The Israeli military also confirmed the death of one officer during the ongoing clashes.
At the same time, Washington is pursuing parallel security and political negotiations aimed at preventing the ceasefire from collapsing. A security meeting involving Lebanese and Israeli military delegations is scheduled to take place at the Pentagon on May 29 to discuss border arrangements and de-escalation mechanisms.
Political talks are also expected to be held in Washington on June 2 and 3 as part of efforts to reach a broader and more sustainable settlement.
U.S. officials said long-term stability requires full Lebanese state authority and the disarmament of Hezbollah, warning that continued violence could undermine diplomatic progress.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated that Lebanon must operate under one national decision and one legitimate armed authority controlled by the state.
Analysts warn that without a sustainable political agreement; southern Lebanon could remain vulnerable to recurring instability and prolonged conflict.
KA.RK
