This article discusses the recent border clashes between Lebanon and Syria, highlighting Hezbollah’s involvement and the need for decisive action from Lebanese leadership. It emphasizes the historical context of Hezbollah’s actions during the Syrian civil war and the current political dynamics, urging President Aoun to unify efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence and ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty.
This week’s cross-border clashes between Syria and Lebanon culminated in a ceasefire but marked a significant escalation in direct engagement between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Syrian military positions. Unlike previous conflicts, where the Lebanese army typically avoided direct confrontation, this time it responded to actions attributed to Hezbollah, which Syria accused of abducting and killing three of its soldiers. The changing dynamics reflect both a new political regime in Syria and a different stance from Lebanon under President Joseph Aoun.
The ceasefire, negotiated by Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra, followed hostilities that resulted in at least ten fatalities in recent days. President Aoun’s directive for the Lebanese army to engage fire sources indicates a commitment to national sovereignty that must now translate into action against Hezbollah’s unchecked activities within Lebanon. Aoun’s statements emphasize that there should be a singular sovereign voice in the nation, which necessitates addressing Hezbollah’s destabilizing influence.
The historical context reveals longstanding animosity between Hezbollah and the Syrian populace, particularly stemming from Hezbollah’s role in the Syrian civil war. Guided by Iranian interests, the group has been implicated in numerous atrocities, including sectarian killings and the forced displacement of populations, which have left deep scars on Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Despite a temporary ceasefire, tensions remain high, especially given ongoing Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah. As this Iranian-backed group experiences declining capacities for meaningful military operations, it continues to pose a significant threat to Lebanon’s stability. If Hezbollah is not constrained, there is a potential risk of a new civil conflict, akin to past Lebanon wars. President Aoun is urged to unite domestic support and ensure the disarmament of Hezbollah to sustain Lebanon’s sovereignty.
In light of these evolving challenges, Lebanon’s leadership must take decisive and urgent actions to confront Hezbollah and reinstate a cohesive political system. A transparent pathway for justice against those who collaborated with destructive forces is necessary to avoid past mistakes. Lebanon stands at a critical juncture, and decisive leadership is imperative to avert future crises and preserve national integrity.
The ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Lebanon underscore the need for a unified national response to the threats facing the country. The new leadership under President Aoun must prioritize disarming Hezbollah and bringing those accountable for past violent crimes to justice. As foreign involvement and civil unrest loom, it is crucial for Lebanon to establish a singular sovereign voice to ensure its sovereignty and prevent further devastation. Only through decisive action can the country navigate this complex landscape and foster stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
