Lebanon and Syria: A Year of Disappointment and Escalating Tensions
The appointments of Joseph Aoun as President of Lebanon in January 2025 and Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister a month later initially sparked hope among Lebanese citizens. For the first time, two individuals perceived as having integrity had reached the highest echelons of the executive branch. Simultaneously, the rise of Ahmed al-Charaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Cham, in Syria in December 2024 was likewise met with cautious optimism. Despite a controversial past, al-Charaa’s forces had ousted a deeply corrupt regime responsible for immense suffering – over half a million deaths and disappearances, seven million exiles, and a devastated nation.
A Stalled Recovery
However, a year later, that optimism has faded. The anticipated recovery has failed to materialize. Internal divisions, a lack of funding, and limited international support contribute to the current impasse. Adding to the challenges, daily Israeli aggressions are paralyzing economic life in both Lebanon and Syria, exacerbating stagnation.
Escalation of Conflict: Lebanon and Israel
From October 7, 2023, the start of the Gaza war, to November 27, 2024, when a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was established, Israeli attacks caused over 3,800 deaths and 15,000 injuries in Lebanon, predominantly among civilians. One million residents were displaced. Israel justified these actions as a response to military support provided by Hezbollah to Hamas, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis from northern communities.
Since the ceasefire, Israel has unilaterally continued incursions, resulting in approximately 350 deaths, including Hezbollah fighters, first responders, and civilians.
International Response and Accusations of Bias
The United States and France, as guarantors of the ceasefire, have been criticized for limited involvement in ensuring its adherence. While France occasionally voiced concerns, U.S. Representatives, described as Trump-era financial figures, consistently blamed Hezbollah for tensions, overlooking alleged violations by the Israeli army.
Hezbollah and Israel: Mutual Accusations
Both Hezbollah and Israel are accused of acting in terrible faith. Hezbollah, pursuing an agenda aligned with Iran, is reportedly restructuring and maintaining a substantial arsenal exceeding that of the Lebanese state, despite the impact on Lebanon’s interests. It is allegedly receiving funding and weapons from Tehran, the diaspora, and illicit trafficking. Israel, according to President Aoun, seeks to prevent the full deployment of the Lebanese army in the south and escalates aggression as Lebanon explores peaceful negotiations.
Rising Violence and Extrajudicial Killings
The latter part of November saw a surge in violence, including the assassination of 13 Palestinians in a refugee camp and five individuals, including a Hezbollah military commander, in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Israel’s practice of extrajudicial killings, targeting those labeled as “terrorists,” is raising concerns. A threat by the Israeli Defense Minister to use force again if Hezbollah doesn’t disarm by year-end further intensifies the situation.
A Historical Context of Conflict
The current conflict is not an isolated event, but rather a continuation of a long-standing colonial struggle. As early as 1919, Zionist negotiators proposed a map extending a Jewish state as far north as the Awali River in Lebanon. More recently, since October 2023, the Israeli government has been accused of attempting to depopulate southern Lebanon through destruction of villages, use of white phosphorus, and burning of olive groves.
Israel has consistently targeted Lebanon, beginning with attacks after the Six-Day War. The Lebanese model of communal power-sharing has been seen as problematic by Israel. Documents suggest Israel believes “there cannot be two Switzerlands in the Middle East.” Attacks on Lebanon began as early as 1968 with the destruction of Lebanese civilian ships. This contributed to the Lebanese Civil War, which began in 1975, marked by Israeli invasions in 1978 and 1982, and the massacres at Sabra, and Shatila.
Syria: Continued Violations of Sovereignty
Israel’s aggressive actions extend to Syria. Following Ahmed al-Charaa’s victory, Israel conducted over 300 airstrikes targeting Syrian military infrastructure. It also expanded its occupation of the Golan Heights and prohibited Syrian army deployments south of Damascus. Violations of Syrian sovereignty continue, including the arrest of Syrian youths and subsequent bombardment of villages resulting in civilian casualties.
A Novel Regional Order?
The U.S., guided by a “peace through strength” approach, reportedly hopes for peace agreements between Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. However, experts are skeptical, believing Israel is deliberately maintaining a weakened neighborhood to exert influence. Some fear a potential expansion of Israeli power beyond historical Palestine.
This approach echoes a policy articulated in 1975 by Nahum Goldmann, who stated that Israeli policy aimed to convince Arabs through force to accept a Jewish state within their midst.
FAQ
Q: What is the current status of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah?
A: The ceasefire, established on November 27, 2024, is being unilaterally violated by Israel through continued incursions.
Q: What role are the U.S. And France playing in the Lebanon-Israel conflict?
A: The U.S. And France are guarantors of the ceasefire, but have faced criticism for limited involvement in enforcing it.
Q: What are the main concerns regarding Hezbollah’s activities?
A: Concerns center on Hezbollah’s alignment with Iran, its substantial military arsenal, and its potential impact on Lebanon’s stability.
Q: What is Israel’s stated justification for its actions in Lebanon and Syria?
A: Israel cites responses to Hezbollah’s support for Hamas and the necessitate to prevent the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south, as well as concerns about Iranian influence.
Did you know? Israel has been conducting extrajudicial killings in Lebanon for many years, targeting individuals it labels as “terrorists.”
Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is crucial for interpreting current events in Lebanon and Syria.
Explore Palestine Solidarité for further insights into the region.
