Lebanon at a crossroads

Al-Ahram Weekly

11-07-2025

Negotiations to resolve the tensions between Lebanon and Israel are ongoing despite continuing Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory.
Last Monday, US Envoy Thomas Barrack held a press conference in Beirut following his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during which he received a response to the US proposal to resolve the crisis between Lebanon and Israel.
'We are at a very important moment for Lebanon and the entire region. This is an opportunity that everyone must seize, and no one is better than the Lebanese at making use of opportunities,' Barrack said.
'The time has come. The region is changing very rapidly.'
He praised the Lebanese response, saying that 'I am very grateful for the Lebanese response to the points we discussed. It was a responsible response that takes many issues into account. We are working on a plan that requires serious dialogue, and we have made great progress which I am satisfied with, but we must address all the details to reach an actual solution.'
According to Lebanese sources, the US proposal, whose content has not been officially disclosed, includes several provisions, among them the surrender of Hizbullah's heavy weaponry, specifically missiles and offensive drones. Light and medium arms are considered a domestic Lebanese matter.
This disarmament is to be completed within six months or by the end of November. The withdrawal of weapons from all other armed factions, whether Lebanese or non-Lebanese, is also required. Lebanon is expected to present a detailed implementation mechanism outlining the disarmament plan.
The Lebanese state is not only facing challenges from Hizbullah, but also numerous Israeli violations involving incursions into Lebanese territory. Israeli forces repeatedly advance and then withdraw again, at times leaving behind barriers or destroying infrastructure.
These actions often necessitate the intervention of the Lebanese Army in coordination with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) forces.
On the night of 26 May, an Israeli infantry force infiltrated Lebanese territory east of the southern town of Meiss El-Jabal and crossing the border by 100 metres. The force advanced into the town, deployed in an open area, and used flashlights. It was accompanied by two bulldozers near the border.
The incursion was the first of its kind this year and since the cessation of military operations between Israel and Hizbullah south of the Litani River. The Israeli Army did not comment on the incursion, prompting the Lebanese Army to arrive at the site of the breach.
The Lebanese Army stated on X that it had 'discovered and dismantled an Israeli espionage device camouflaged and equipped with a camera in the outskirts of Blida – Marjayoun,' adding that it had 'removed two earthen barriers erected by Israeli forces in Blida and Mays Al-Jabal – Marjayoun.'
On the following day, another Israeli infantry force penetrated Lebanese territory, this time consisting of two tanks, a bulldozer, and several soldiers in Bir Shuaib – Blida.
The purpose was probably to deploy a larger force with tanks to intimidate the Lebanese Army. However, the latter responded decisively, which made the Israeli force retreat.
'A unit of the Lebanese Army, in coordination with UNIFIL, removed several earth barriers and reopened roads in the outskirts of Adaisseh – Marjayoun that had been blocked by Israeli forces,' the Lebanese Army said.
'During the operation, Israeli troops accompanied by a tank attempted to obstruct the Lebanese Army's work but failed to stop the mission.'
The Lebanese Army has handled the recent Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory with professionalism and in accordance with the international disarmament agreement south of the Litani River.
The Wall Street Journal reported that 'US and Israeli officials say they have been pleasantly surprised by the progress, which has been critical in maintaining the fragile truce struck in November. The question now is whether the Lebanese state can complete the task in the south and extend its efforts to the rest of the country.'
According to the Israeli Alma Research Centre, in the period between 21 and 27 May, 21 Israeli strikes were conducted in Lebanon (18 in Southern Lebanon and three in the Beqaa), along with six eliminations of Hizbullah operatives
It said that Hizbullah operatives continue to be active and present in Southern Lebanon despite statements by the Lebanese government saying that it has taken control of about 90 per cent of sites south of the Litani River.
The political and military leadership in Lebanon is at one in its commitment to preserving the country's sovereignty against Hizbullah's reckless actions and Israeli expansionist provocations.
Israel currently controls five fixed positions in the south of the country, primarily on strategic hills that provide radar coverage and tactical advantages in case of an attack. This occupation lacks legal justification and constitutes a violation of Lebanese territory.
Hizbullah, meanwhile, refuses to disarm or integrate into the state, leading both sides to exploit the ongoing conflict to legitimise their presence in Lebanon.
Earlier this week, Hizbullah's current leader, Naim Qassem, stated during a televised speech marking the religious occasion of Ashura that 'this threat will not lead us to surrender. We are not the ones who should be told to soften our stance. The aggressor should be told to stop. We are not the ones who should be told to lay down our arms.'
He thus linked Hizbullah's disarmament to Israel's withdrawal. Armed Hizbullah members were seen during Ashura celebrations in the Zoqaq Al-Blat area of Beirut.
The Lebanese Army has been handling both sides with professionalism and seriousness, but it remains small in number and lacks equipment. It urgently needs support and reinforcement, so that Lebanon can once again become one of the most beautiful countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 10 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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