Is Lebanon Facing Anarchy? Government’s Actions on Friday Raise Concerns!
Lebanon is poised to enter a critical phase in the ongoing conflict regarding the Resistance’s weapons, despite Israel’s outright rejection of a proposal by US envoy Thomas Barrack. This proposal was intended to establish not only political but also security and military control over Lebanon. The current instability in the region has led to significant political developments, including the election of President Joseph Aoun and the appointment of Nawaf Salam to form a government earlier this year. In this tense environment, Israel, supported by Washington, Riyadh, and their local allies, has made attempts to undermine the Resistance’s position and recovery.
Before the proposal by Barrack gained traction, Hezbollah maintained a cautious approach, avoiding confrontational rhetoric and steering clear of conflicts with other Lebanese factions. They showed willingness to cooperate with government decisions to prevent clashes with the President or the Prime Minister. However, this approach was misinterpreted by the Israeli occupying forces as an opportunity to impose limitations on the Resistance, expecting Hezbollah to make military concessions similar to the political ones made earlier.
As tensions escalated, Hezbollah found it necessary to adopt a more assertive stance. This was notably articulated by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, who firmly stated that the Resistance would not relinquish its weapons and is prepared for a “Karbala-like battle” if the situation demands it. In response, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri cautioned against uncritically responding to actions aimed at undermining the Resistance.
The behavior of the American delegation accompanying Barrack, particularly Senator Lindsey Graham, has been notably aggressive. Graham openly acknowledged that the US administration does not plan to demand any actions from Israel until the Lebanese government takes steps to disarm Hezbollah. This prompted Berri to issue a warning against provoking a conflict between the Lebanese army and the Resistance movement, highlighting the potential devastating effects on civil peace.
In related developments, political sources have indicated that US Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus will be visiting Lebanon alongside the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) for urgent security discussions. Ortagus’s meetings are expected to focus solely on security officials, rather than engaging with political leaders.
In a report by Haaretz, it was noted that “the Lebanese timetable is known for its extreme flexibility,” suggesting that Barrack will not be content with mere statements from Aoun and Salam regarding the exclusive possession of weapons by the state. Instead, he is likely to demand a definitive executive decision on the matter.
Hezbollah MP Ali Mekdad, affiliated with the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, remarked that the ministers from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have not yet made a decision regarding their participation in the upcoming cabinet session. He emphasized that discussions are ongoing, and Hezbollah has called for any sovereignty discussions to be postponed until a defense strategy is established.
The anti-Resistance faction’s position was articulated by Strida Geagea, the spouse of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea. She declared that “the era of control of the statelet [Resistance] over the state has ended irrevocably.” She characterized the upcoming Friday session as a pivotal moment that presents Lebanon with a genuine sovereignty challenge, asserting that the Lebanese army represents the backbone of the nation and is crucial for maintaining stability and civil peace.
As the situation develops, it remains uncertain whether the Lebanese government will retract its decision and pursue internal dialogue or will adhere to the demands dictated by American and Saudi interests. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future course of action regarding the Resistance’s arms and Lebanon’s sovereignty.
