Le Monde: Israel's calculations in Lebanon are short-sighted and disarming Hezbollah is a complex task
The article discusses how escalating military tensions between Israel and Hezbollah pose significant risks to Lebanon, as well as Israel's short-sighted approach to the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The article from Le Monde highlights the escalating military tensions between Israel and Hezbollah and the severe implications these have for Lebanon. It presents the view that Israel's threats to the Lebanese government regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah are shortsighted, as such actions cannot realistically be executed amid ongoing conflict that has already led to substantial loss of life in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz's demands for immediate disarmament are depicted as lacking an understanding of the complex socio-political landscape in Lebanon.
Furthermore, the article notes Lebanese Army Commander Rudolf Haikal's refusal to disarm Hezbollah, emphasizing that this could trigger a new civil war among the Lebanese people and undermine the authority of the government. It underlines the historical context of Hezbollah retaining its weaponry since the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990, justified by the ongoing resistance against Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon at the time. This aspect reflects a long-standing tension that complicates the possibility of disarmament.
In conclusion, the piece conveys that public anger in Lebanon is on the rise due to Israel's military actions, which could intensify regional instability. The call for disarmament amidst such military aggression is viewed as an impractical demand that overlooks the historical complexities and current realities on the ground, suggesting the necessity to address deeper issues rather than pressing for immediate disarmament under duress.