Can Lebanon's army uphold the ceasefire with Israel? | REUTERS

Summary

The transcript discusses the challenges and complexities surrounding the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. While Lebanon's Army is tasked with ensuring the ceasefire's longevity, it faces difficulties, being caught between Hezbollah's forces and Israeli troops. Hezbollah, though weakened by Israeli strikes, still holds significant military power and influence, complicating the peace process. The Lebanese Army, underfunded and divided by sectarian pressures, is struggling to maintain stability while dealing with internal divisions and external threats. International support is essential for Lebanon to strengthen its military and ensure long-term peace in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ceasefire is permanent, with Lebanon's Army tasked to ensure its implementation with Israel.
• 😀 Lebanon's Army is deploying additional troops south of the Litani River, an area previously heavily bombarded by Israel.
• 😀 The ceasefire agreement requires the area to be free of Hezbollah weapons, with only the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers allowed to carry arms.
• 😀 The Lebanese Army faces challenges in maintaining peace, with Israeli forces withdrawing in stages while remaining in some border areas.
• 😀 Hezbollah, despite suffering heavy losses, retains a large arsenal and influence in Lebanon, continuing its resistance against Israel.
• 😀 The Lebanese Army has been criticized for not directly countering Israeli strikes during the conflict, despite being targeted itself.
• 😀 Hezbollah approved the ceasefire but has not disclosed its role in implementing it, leaving ambiguity about its military facilities' dismantling.
• 😀 Tensions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army are a concern, given their shared Shiite Muslim composition, which could lead to internal division.
• 😀 The Lebanese Army, founded in 1945, represents national unity but has faced sectarian pressures, particularly during the Civil War in the 1970s.
• 😀 Lebanon's military is underfunded, with soldiers' salaries slashed due to the country's financial crisis, prompting fundraising efforts such as helicopter tours.
• 😀 International support is crucial for Lebanon's military, with $200 million pledged by various countries and additional funds from the European Union.

Q & A

What is the significance of the permanent ceasefire mentioned in the script?

The permanent ceasefire aims to end hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. It is intended to last indefinitely, with Lebanon's army tasked with ensuring its enforcement along the southern border.

What is the role of Lebanon's Army in maintaining the ceasefire?

Lebanon's Army is responsible for ensuring the ceasefire holds, deploying additional troops along the southern border and ensuring that the region remains free of weapons belonging to Hezbollah, with only the army and UN peacekeeping forces allowed to bear arms.

What is the challenge for Lebanon's Army in keeping peace in the region?

The Lebanese Army faces the challenge of being sandwiched between two military forces—Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The presence of Israeli troops near the border, even after a truce, complicates the Army's ability to maintain peace and security.

How is Hezbollah positioned in the ceasefire agreement?

Hezbollah has approved the ceasefire but has not committed to how it will help enforce it. The group's military facilities are to be dismantled, but it remains unclear who will carry out this task, whether Hezbollah or Lebanon's Army.

What are the potential consequences of Lebanon's Army confronting Hezbollah?

Any confrontation between Lebanon's Army and Hezbollah could risk dividing the Army, as a large proportion of Lebanese soldiers are Shiite Muslims, like Hezbollah. This could lead to sectarian tensions and potentially a civil war.

How has Hezbollah's military capability been affected by recent events?

Hezbollah's military strength has been significantly weakened by Israeli operations, which killed thousands of its fighters and its leader. However, Hezbollah still maintains a large arsenal and benefits from Iranian backing.

What is the current state of Lebanon's military funding?

Lebanon's military is severely underfunded, and in response to this financial crisis, it has had to offer helicopter tours to raise funds. The country relies heavily on foreign assistance, particularly from the United States, to sustain its military.

How does Lebanon's Army maintain national unity?

Lebanon's Army has traditionally represented national unity, comprising soldiers from various sects, including Sunni Muslims, Shiites, and Christians. However, sectarian pressures have historically divided it, particularly during the Civil War.

What was the role of international support for Lebanon's military?

International support, especially from the United States, plays a crucial role in bolstering Lebanon's military. Countries pledged $200 million in aid, and the European Union also committed additional funds to enhance the Army's security and stability efforts.

What challenges does Lebanon face in rebuilding its military after the conflict?

Lebanon faces the challenge of rebuilding its military amid severe economic constraints, underfunded institutions, and heightened domestic tensions. While international aid helps, long-term sustainability depends on broader international support and increased recruitment for the Army.