Lebanese leaders face tension over Al-Ittifaq Agreement

Political tensions have emerged between President Joseph Aoun and Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt regarding the ‘Al-Ittifaq Agreement’. Jumblatt has criticized the agreement, characterizing it as a unilateral dictate imposed by Israel on a Lebanese faction and accusing leadership of compromising sovereign principles.

Despite the friction, sources indicate that a total political rupture is unlikely. Jumblatt has reportedly sought to ease tensions by sending MP Wael Abu Faour to Baabda Palace to clarify that his stance represents a difference of opinion rather than a complete break.

Presidential sources maintain that the agreement is intended as a negotiating tool to end the war and stabilize the Lebanese state, rather than a peace treaty with Israel. The document is described as a framework covering Israeli withdrawal and the return of displaced persons and prisoners. Meanwhile, the Progressive Socialist Party expresses concern that the agreement could lead to normalization or peace before a full Israeli withdrawal, advocating instead for negotiations based on a truce, the Taif Agreement, and international resolutions.