The Lebanese government classifies the area controlled by Israel, which makes up a good six percent of the territory, as occupied territory in violation of international law.
Many stumbling blocks in implementation
Israeli Middle East expert Danny Citrinowicz, speaking on Its implementation is stagnating.
Citrinowicz calls the agreement’s central assumption that Hezbollah will ultimately be disarmed highly questionable. Neither the Lebanese armed forces nor Israel are likely to achieve this goal in the foreseeable future. “As a result, the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons could become a justification for an indefinite Israeli military presence, similar to how unresolved security concerns have prolonged other conflicts,” the expert said.
Furthermore, it is unlikely that an Israeli prime minister would agree to a significant withdrawal from Lebanon. The limited troop deployment that has already been approved affects areas that Israel would hardly have been able to hold permanently anyway. There is little evidence that further withdrawals will take place under the current conditions.
Other observers also point to Iran’s role. The Iranian government supports Hezbollah financially and with weapons. Hezbollah is considered Iran’s important deterrent tool against Israel and thus contributes to Tehran’s retention of power. Critics doubt Iran’s willingness to give up Hezbollah’s weapons.
Hezbollah rejects agreement
Hezbollah said it did not feel bound by the framework agreement. Hezbollah will oppose any government actions resulting from the agreement, stick to its guns and not allow the authorities to impose their will on the Lebanese people, Hassan Fadlallah, a member of the Hezbollah faction in the Lebanese parliament, told the Lebanese pro-Iranian news portal Al Majadin.
Numerous militia supporters took to the streets on Friday evening to demonstrate against the agreement. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassim called the agreement a “humiliation,” “disgrace” and “renunciation of sovereignty.” Kassim particularly criticized the fact that an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon was tied to the disarmament of Hezbollah. This crosses “red lines”, allows Israel to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and legitimizes continued occupation.
The ceasefire has recently become more stable
There has been a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel since June 19th. After several failed attempts, it was recently largely adhered to by both sides.
