Diplomatic sources reported that Saudi Arabia supports the negotiations being conducted by President Joseph Aoun. The information indicated that President Nabih Berri stipulates that any direct negotiation requires Israel’s withdrawal and the cessation of aggression, in addition to the release of prisoners and the return of the people to the south. She pointed out that the upcoming meeting between the three presidents in Baabda will discuss ways to empower the state and fortify the internal arena, with emphasis on the Taif Agreement and the fate of the negotiations. Diplomatic sources also reported that Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz’s statements about “Aoun’s adventure with the future of the country” indicate that what is required of the president is not to be content with positions, but rather to take practical steps to besiege Hezbollah’s activity.