Cairo reasserts its role in Lebanon amid shifting regional winds

Source: Nidaa El Watan

Lebanese Egyptian relations are currently experiencing growing momentum, in parallel with Lebanon’s new political era and rapidly unfolding regional shifts. In this context, Egypt’s ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, offers a comprehensive reading of Cairo’s role today and the motivations behind its increased engagement in the Lebanese file, whether in supporting security stability, backing the army, or cooperating in regional mediation efforts.

A clearer Egyptian approach

Ambassador Moussa believes that Lebanon’s new era marks a turning point in Cairo’s approach. “Lebanon today, after the new era, has clear and stable pillars. This helps other countries, not only Egypt, re-engage in institutional dealings with the Lebanese state. This is exactly what we are doing,” he says.

Moussa points to the growing level of official communication between the two countries. “President Joseph Aoun, as well as Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, both paid visits to Egypt, while the Egyptian foreign minister has visited Lebanon four times. This is a clear indicator of where we stand and of Lebanon’s position for Egypt compared to other countries,” he adds. “The foreign minister has not visited any other country four times during this period, which reflects the extent of Egypt’s interest in Lebanon.” He stresses the consistency of Egypt’s commitment: “We are working together not only for Egypt’s interest, but for the shared interest of both countries. Egypt’s commitment has not changed; it has become clearer under the new era.”

Egypt will not hesitate to provide security or logistical support

On the issue of extending state authority and restricting arms, Ambassador Moussa expresses a nuanced understanding of the Lebanese path. He notes that the Lebanese government’s steps are not limited to confining weapons to the state alone, but that both the oath of office and the ministerial statement include this objective as essential to restoring Lebanese sovereignty over the entire territory.

Moussa says Cairo is closely following the steps taken by Lebanese institutions, noting that there is now clear evidence of gradual progress, particularly the army plan approved by the government. He points to very positive reactions from member states of the mechanism tasked with overseeing implementation of the agreement. As for Egypt’s practical contribution, Moussa says Egypt will not hesitate to provide any security, training, or logistical support that serves the Lebanese state, noting that open channels exist with security institutions, foremost among them the military.

Army support conference and the post-UNIFIL phase

Moussa considers that the coming phase requires urgent support for the military institution, stressing that Egypt attaches great importance to holding a conference to support the Lebanese army. “We are in contact with Saudi Arabia, France, and other countries to convene it as soon as possible. The tasks entrusted to the army are significant, especially with the possibility of ending UNIFIL’s mission,” he says.

Regarding potential alternatives to the international forces, Moussa explains that there are shared concerns about any replacement. Among the options discussed is empowering the Lebanese army to take control of the border area, alongside support from friendly countries. The form this support might take remains a subject of discussion among the relevant states.

Cairo’s role in preventing escalation

On Egypt’s role in containing tensions along the southern border, Moussa says that the escalation in Israeli attacks, both in scale and nature, has necessitated Egyptian action, noting that leaving matters as they were would have increased the likelihood of escalation. He stresses that Egypt acts from a non-aligned position and has no agenda inside Lebanon. “This is what makes the Lebanese view Egypt as a friendly party that can help,” he says. The immediate goal of the move, he adds, is to reduce tension in the south and avoid any attack that could spiral “into disastrous consequences.”

The Gaza experience and a political opportunity

Moussa links the timing of Egypt’s move to regional shifts following the Gaza war. “Since October 7, 2023, we have been saying that the continuation of the war would lead to the opening of other fronts. With the ceasefire and the Sharm el-Sheikh conference, we sensed an international trend toward peace,” he says. “We tried to transfer this momentum to the Lebanese file because it is the most exposed to escalation.”

He adds that no one asked Egypt to intervene.

But Lebanon was exposed to serious dangers, and action was necessary, because its stability is part of Arab and Egyptian national security.

Broad communication channels, including Israel and Iran

In the context of mediation, Moussa reveals the breadth of Egyptian engagement, noting that Cairo maintains communication with all parties, including Israel, the United States, and even Iran. “The Lebanese crisis has clear regional repercussions and cannot be addressed in isolation from influential actors,” he says.

The results are not guaranteed, but inaction only increases the chances of escalation.

Moussa sees the possibilities as open-ended: no one can say for certain whether war will break out tomorrow or not, but if attacks continue without intervention, the likelihood of escalation remains high. “We are moving continuously in search of any opportunity that serves Lebanon and spares it the worst,” he says.

Peace with Israel between public debate and realities on the ground

On the rise in popular discourse in Lebanon calling for peace with Israel, Moussa says he is not in a position to encourage Lebanon to make any decision. In his view, however, the present reality must be addressed before talking about the future. “Occupied territories, daily violations, Lebanese detainees, and un-demarcated borders, these files must be resolved first, and then each issue can be discussed in turn,” he says.

On the economic front and cooperation between Egypt and Lebanon, Moussa notes that the economic file was the main focus of the Higher Joint Committee meeting during Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s visit to Egypt, and that the upcoming visit of the Egyptian prime minister will continue along the same path.

Moussa outlines future areas of work, which include discussing mutual investment opportunities and Lebanon’s reconstruction, not limited to the south, as many sectors have been idle for years. In his view, sectors in which Egypt has particular expertise, foremost construction and energy, are capable of playing an important role in the reconstruction process.

In closing, Moussa reiterates his country’s supportive stance toward Lebanon. “Egypt sees Lebanon as a friend and a partner, and there are many files from which we can benefit together. This country is capable of being in a better place, and it will be.”