Lebanon is closely watching Tuesday's Israeli parliamentary election and the US midterms on 3 November amid fears of renewed war in the region, as Lebanese officials intensify contacts with Hezbollah to prevent the country from being drawn into another conflict.
The concerns centre on the possibility of new US-Israeli attacks on Iran following the elections, with Lebanon particularly vulnerable as diplomatic negotiations remain stalled and Israeli military operations continue in the south.
The New Arab has learned that intensive domestic and international contacts are under way to keep Lebanon out of any wider confrontation.
Consultations are taking place between advisers to Lebanon's three top leaders - the president, prime minister, and Speaker of Parliament, while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has been urging Hezbollah not to get involved if war erupts between Iran and the United States and Israel.
Hezbollah has expressed concern for Lebanon's stability, but its position remains dependent on developments on the ground and Israeli actions inside Lebanon, according to information obtained by The New Arab.
The group has also discussed the possibility of military support with Iranian officials, although there is considerable hesitation about taking such a step given the potentially devastating consequences of another war, particularly for Hezbollah's support base.
The consultations follow media reports that Hezbollah had assured Berri it would not intervene militarily in support of Iran, despite having previously joined the war on 2 March.
A Hezbollah parliamentary source told The New Arab that the group prioritised Lebanon's stability and accused Washington and Israel of threatening the country.
"Instead of focusing on us, the Lebanese state should act to stop Israeli attacks and stop submitting to American dictates that will bring no good to our country," the source said.
Asked whether Hezbollah had promised Berri not to intervene, the source declined to confirm the reports.
"We are confident in Iran's capabilities, and as we always say, the final word belongs to the battlefield," the source said.
Hezbollah denies taking orders from Iran
Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah separately rejected claims on Monday that the group's military decisions were dictated by Tehran.
"The resistance's decision is a Lebanese decision taken by its leadership, and no one abroad or at home dictates it," he said in a statement distributed by Hezbollah's media office.
Fadlallah insisted that Iran had never asked Hezbollah to intervene militarily on its behalf against US-Israeli attacks.
"On the contrary, when we meet Iranian officials, they ask what we want and what is in our interest and Lebanon's interest so they can support us," he said.
He also rejected calls for Hezbollah's disarmament while Israeli forces continue to occupy Lebanese territory, arguing that the issue should be addressed through national dialogue after Israeli withdrawal, the return of displaced residents and the release of prisoners.
Lebanese officials are concerned that Israel could intensify military operations after Tuesday's Knesset election, potentially provoking a Hezbollah response and reigniting the war.
Israel has continued its attacks despite the framework agreement signed on 26 June, while insisting on maintaining its designated security zone in southern Lebanon.
The continued military operations and Israel's refusal to compromise have obstructed negotiations, including military-level talks held in Tampa, Florida, last week.
On Saturday, Israel's public broadcaster reported that the military had raised its alert level ahead of the election, deploying tens of thousands of soldiers across several fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Military officials said there was no specific intelligence warning of an imminent attack, but confirmed preparations for an exercise simulating a surprise assault.
Israeli artillery targeted Khiam, Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Mansouri, Wadi al-Hujeir and Wadi al-Slouqi in southern Lebanon on Monday, highlighting fears that renewed fighting could erupt regardless of the election outcome.