DANNY AYALON, MORAN ALALUF
Negotiations with Lebanon represent an important diplomatic opportunity that could strengthen Israel’s security and reshape regional and, potentially, global stability.
However, based on historical experience, a sober and cautious approach to this is required.
It is important to remember the repeated failures of agreements signed with Lebanon in which ceasefires were violated by Hezbollah, under whose auspices the terrorist organization restored and rebuilt its military capabilities in areas previously cleared of terrorist activity by the IDF.
Therefore, alongside advancing negotiations, Israel must continue military operations against Hezbollah to eliminate the threat along its northern border and prevent the organization from exploiting the negotiation process with Lebanon.
Illusion of separation
Allocating the five key ministerial portfolios in the Lebanese government – treasury, health, labor, administrative development, and environment – to Hezbollah and the Amal Movement raises serious questions about Lebanon’s stated commitment to eradicating terrorism.
This control over core civilian portfolios enables Hezbollah to sustain its dawah system through patronage and recruitment of loyalists, reinforcing its political and social power.
Without dismantling the terrorist organization’s political and military structures, any military gains will remain temporary.
Hence, even if pragmatic forces in Lebanon are seeking change, their influence remains limited as long as Hezbollah and the Amal Movement – a terrorist organization responsible for the abduction of Ron Arad and attacks on El Al aircraft – continue to have access to state resources.
Since the 1960s, Lebanon has remained a structural obstacle to a durable security arrangement, rooted in the deep integration of terrorist organizations in its political system.
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