Hezbollah refuses to disarm amid daily Israeli attacks

Lebanese President Faces Critical Period Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

Beirut – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to face a critical period in his tenure, with several key events scheduled to take place in the coming weeks and months. In February, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) chief of staff Rodolphe Haykal will visit Washington, DC, while the LAF plans to present a plan for phase two of Hezbollah’s disarmament. Additionally, an international conference will be held in Paris in March to support the Lebanese army.

These events come as the United States and Israel continue to exert pressure on Lebanon and Aoun to continue efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The LAF has been actively working towards this goal, despite the challenges posed by ongoing Israeli attacks in south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has stated that his group will not accept disarmament north of the Litani River unless Israel adheres to the ceasefire agreement.

Aoun is navigating a complex situation, with the LAF currently undermanned, underfunded, and underequipped to deploy across south Lebanon. The Lebanese president is relying on diplomatic efforts to back the LAF and pressure Israel to abide by the ceasefire. According to Souhaib Jawhar, a nonresident fellow at the Beirut-based Badil, Aoun is managing a highly fragile transitional phase aimed at preventing a comprehensive collapse.

The November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in effect since November 27, with both parties agreeing to cease attacks and withdraw troops. However, despite this agreement, Israel continues to maintain troops on Lebanese territory and has been involved in frequent drone operations over south Lebanon. The administration of US President Donald Trump has continued to push for Hezbollah’s disarmament, despite the challenges posed by domestic opposition in Lebanon.

A source close to Aoun has stated that Lebanon has stuck to its side of the agreement, but no one is holding Israel accountable for violating the ceasefire. As Aoun navigates this complex situation, he will be relying on diplomatic efforts to find a solution that balances the need to disarm Hezbollah with the need to prevent renewed civil conflict in Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera