Feb 18 β€’ 13:18 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Implementation of the Second Phase of Weapons Control in Lebanon.. Political and Field Considerations

The Lebanese Army plans to implement the second phase of a weapons control initiative amid significant political sensitivity and logistical challenges.

The second phase of the Lebanese government's initiative to secure weapons under state control faces challenges related to its timeline and execution. The Lebanese Army's commander has indicated that at least four months will be required to implement this phase, which extends from the northern Litani River to the Awali River. Minister of Information Paul Marcucci stated that the Cabinet has reviewed a monthly report from the Army regarding the plan, and the timeline may be extended based on operational capabilities, obstacles, and external threats, particularly Israeli aggression.

The first phase, which involved the area south of the Litani River, was presented as a significant technical and security accomplishment. However, the second phase presents different dynamics and is situated in a politically sensitive region. The northern Litani River area is not just a geographical extension of the plan but represents a significant political landscape, raising questions about the balance of power between different factions in Lebanon, particularly concerning Hezbollah.

Minister Marcucci has sought to downplay the potential for confrontation between the Lebanese Army and Hezbollah, emphasizing that the objective is to uphold state authority while achieving stability. This approach reflects an attempt to establish a clear political framework aimed at preventing internal conflict, suggesting that the government intends to manage the situation with more conciliatory tools rather than aggressive measures. However, this strategy raises fundamental questions about the likelihood of success in a politically charged environment with various competing interests.

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