MP Wael Bou Faour (Progressive Socialist Party) said in an interview with the American Arabic-language channel al-Hurra that the U.S. discussed with Lebanese officials the idea of a "reconciliation" between Lebanon and Israel, as the two countries are officially at war.

"The current American administration will push for reconciliation with Israel and has already broached this subject with Lebanese officials and influential figures in the country," said Bou Faour, emphasizing that these figures rejected the idea. He clarified that his party, the PSP, was not contacted on this matter "because our position is known."

"The most we can consider with Israel is a cease-fire agreement," he added.

The MP, whose remarks were reported by the state-run National News Agency (NNA), stated that he "would not be surprised if reconciliation with Israel was imposed on Lebanon." While adding that "the parties opposed to this reconciliation are much more numerous than those who support it," he warned that this issue "could cause a severe internal crisis."

Bou Faour also called for "a Lebanese-Lebanese reconciliation based on the state's project," asserting that President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam "can achieve a minimal compromise among the different components of the country."

"Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanon's internal balance and cannot be ignored. It is the responsibility of responsible and wise political forces to facilitate Hezbollah's return to the Lebanese state," he said. After the open war that pitted Hezbollah against Israel from September to November 2024, the group emerged weakened, with its leadership significantly decimated by the Israeli army.

Referring to the cease-fire agreed on Nov. 27, 2024, between Lebanon and Israel after more than 13 months of conflict, Bou Faour stated that Lebanon was taking "all necessary measures" to ensure its implementation.

"What we have heard from some American visitors [to Lebanon] is not reassuring," he said. Israel will not withdraw from south Lebanon as long as Hezbollah has not surrendered its weapons and resolution 1559 – which was passed at the United Nations in 2004, urging the Lebanese government to establish control over its entire territory and disarm militias – has not been applied.

"Are the member countries of the monitoring committee of the ceasefire agreement ready to pressure Israel to stop its aggressions against Lebanon?" he questioned. "And can't the American administration force Israel to withdraw from the five points in southern Lebanon? Of course, it can."

The United States, alongside France, is a guarantor of the truce agreement. This agreement was extended until Feb. 18, after Israel claimed the Lebanese government had not fully implemented it, citing the slow deployment of the Lebanese army. Despite the expiration of this deadline, the Israeli army has maintained its presence in several points in south Lebanon that it considers "strategic" and continues to carry out airstrikes across the country.