Army Rejects Divisive Strategy to Turn Lebanese Against Each Other

In recent developments surrounding national security in Lebanon, the issue of Lebanese collaborators with Israel has resurfaced as a significant concern. This situation highlights the complexities faced by the Lebanese state in its quest to safeguard its sovereignty. The recent ruling involving convicted spy Mohieddine Hasna has left many disappointed, particularly the families of martyrs and victims of espionage.

On the 29th of August, the Military Court of Cassation, led by Judge Mounir Suleiman, delivered a controversial sentence to Hasna, who had previously received a 15-year prison term. The court has now reduced his sentence to a mere 22 months, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the judiciary in addressing national security threats.

Mohieddine Hasna’s espionage activities included:

• Supplying sensitive details regarding pager frequencies in Lebanon.
• Conducting comprehensive surveys of Lebanese territories such as southern suburbs, the South, the Bekaa, and Mount Lebanon.
• Facilitating the hacking of WiFi data from homes and institutions.

His actions not only enabled Israel to locate devices connected to the internet but also those cell phones that were not networked, demonstrating the gravity of his collaboration with the Israeli entity.

In another significant judicial decision, former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh was released on bail after being detained on serious charges including embezzlement, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. The bail was set at $20 million and 5 billion Lebanese pounds, a decision that has sparked outrage among the populace.

Amidst these developments, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are mobilizing for protests starting in September against perceived threats to disarm the resistance. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri expressed his discontent with the American delegation’s lack of a strategic approach during recent discussions.

Concerning the upcoming cabinet session on September 2, focused on the army’s strategy to disarm Hezbollah, Berri stated, “Anything that leads to disagreement in the country is reprehensible.”

Additionally, under pressure from the United States, the UN Security Council has agreed to conclude the UNIFIL mission within the next sixteen months, with the mandate set to expire on December 31, 2026. Withdrawal operations are expected to commence the following year.

According to informed sources, Washington is pushing for a transition away from UNIFIL’s current structure, favoring the introduction of Arab forces aligned with Israel. The Lebanese army’s reluctance to engage in conflict with its citizens is clear, particularly following the recent expulsion of US envoy Thomas Barrack from southern Lebanon.

Reports from Al-Akhbar indicate that Army Commander General Rodolphe Heikal was deeply troubled by the pressure exerted by the American delegation. Heikal conveyed his stance to the delegation, emphasizing that he would “prefer to resign from the leadership of the military institution if anyone wants Lebanese blood shed by the army.”

Moreover, the American delegation allegedly offered to provide intelligence on Hezbollah’s positions, and some members even suggested dangerous propositions involving Israeli intelligence support for the Lebanese army. This included the potential for Israeli drones to accompany the army in identifying targets for raids.

President Joseph Aoun is reportedly aware of the Army Command’s firm stance against such propositions, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam appears more inclined to adhere to American and Saudi directives, intensifying pressure to expedite governmental decisions.

This situation unfolds against a backdrop of rapid regional changes. The shifting dynamics could complicate the implementation of current strategies, especially in light of Iran’s resilience and the strength of resistance forces across the region, despite facing various challenges.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the American delegation proposed a strategic vision that aims to segregate Shiite regions from others, a move intended to hinder Hezbollah’s recovery and influence.

As Lebanon grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the implications for national security and sovereignty remain profound. The response from the Lebanese people and their leaders in the coming months will be crucial in determining the future landscape of Lebanon’s political and security environment.