Washington is no longer mediating Lebanon’s crises, it is asserting control openly. The last forty-eight hours have confirmed the new reality that the velvet glove is long gone and that the era of soft diplomacy has come to an end.

Beirut has become a revolving door for foreign envoys this week as threats from Tel Aviv to bomb Lebanon intensify.

Leaks circulating in Lebanese political and media circles indicate that the upcoming visit of US Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, will include “adopting a firmer and more assertive tone” in her meetings with Lebanese officials.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrives in Beirut today for high-level talks with Lebanese officials, while US envoy Morgan Ortagus is expected to visit next month with a list of demands centered on Palestinian disarmament and regional normalization.