As U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein continues his shuttle diplomacy between Tel Aviv and Beirut, aiming to broker a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanese political sources are increasingly calling for transparency in the negotiations. With the possibility of a ceasefire agreement looming, many are demanding that the Lebanese public be made aware of the terms being discussed behind closed doors, especially given the high stakes for Lebanon’s future and security.

“There is a legitimate right for the Lebanese people to know what is being discussed, especially in such a critical matter involving the future of Lebanon and its security,” one source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Central News Agency. “This cannot be another scenario where Lebanon is rebuilt only to face destruction again, as we have seen since October 8, 2023.”

The sources, who are affiliated with the opposition, highlighted two key issues in the ongoing negotiations. The first relates to the role of Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in the talks. According to the Lebanese constitution, the role of conducting negotiations and representing Lebanon in such matters is the exclusive prerogative of the president of the republic, in collaboration with the prime minister. However, in the absence of a president, the opposition argues that the entire cabinet should be stepping in to represent the country, not the parliament speaker.

“Today, in the absence of a president, the government as a whole should take on the president’s role in negotiations,” said one opposition source. “But what we’re seeing today is a constitutional anomaly, where Speaker Berri is assuming a role that the constitution does not grant him. This could set a dangerous precedent for future negotiations, where Berri could become a permanent fixture in Lebanon's diplomatic talks, sidelining the cabinet and the president.”

This concern is compounded by speculation that the prolonged presidential vacancy may suit Berri’s political ambitions.

“The absence of a president is convenient for Berri, and perhaps even deliberate, as it allows him to consolidate control over Lebanon’s decision-making process without opposition,” the source added.

The second issue raised by the opposition is the nature of the ongoing negotiations themselves. According to sources, the talks are not truly between the Lebanese state and Israel, but are effectively being conducted between Hezbollah, represented by Berri, and Israel. This raises alarms among those who advocate for Lebanese sovereignty, particularly since Hezbollah’s demands are not aligned with those of other Lebanese factions.

“What Berri is transmitting to the U.S. envoy is what Hezbollah wants, not what the Lebanese state as a whole needs,” said the source. “Hezbollah is seeking to restore the situation to the status quo before October 7, 2023, with no significant changes to the southern front or the status of its weapons.”

The opposition is calling for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559, which would restrict the presence of non-state actors like Hezbollah and place control over decisions of war and peace solely in the hands of the Lebanese state.

The concerns raised by the opposition are indicative of the broader debate within Lebanon about its future direction. While some groups push for a more pragmatic approach to ending the conflict, others warn that any agreement reached without addressing the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons and the overall sovereignty of Lebanon could lead to a fragile peace that does not serve the interests of the Lebanese people.

“Ultimately, the priority must be to protect Lebanon’s long-term interests, not those of any external actor, whether it be Iran or Israel,” the source concluded.

As Hochstein’s shuttle diplomacy continues, the calls for transparency and accountability in Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel grow louder, with many hoping that the Lebanese people will not be sidelined in discussions that could shape the country’s future for years to come.