Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating unequivocally that the group would treat any US-trained Lebanese force as it does Israel. Fadlallah claimed Hezbollah would consider a US-backed proxy army as an enemy, drawing a clear line against any perceived external interference in Lebanon's internal security dynamics. "If Israel and the United States create a proxy army to fight the resistance, then we will fight it as we fight Israel," Fadlallah said, articulating a firm stance against such a development. He also noted that Hezbollah is not against diplomatic efforts, seeking to balance the warning with an openness to negotiation. "We are not against diplomacy, but we support indirect diplomacy backed by the strength of the resistance," Fadlallah added, emphasizing the group's leverage in any potential talks.
US Proposal Details
Washington has reportedly advocated for the establishment of a specialized Lebanese military unit, a proposal that has stirred considerable debate and concern within Lebanon. This proposed force would consist of selected army personnel, meticulously trained and vetted by the United States, and specifically tasked with dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure located south of the Litani River. The initiative aims to alter the security landscape in southern Lebanon, a region historically central to Hezbollah's operations. Reports also indicated an increased presence of US intelligence personnel in Beirut, a development that has further fueled speculation and unease regarding Washington's intentions and activities in the country. This reported increase in intelligence presence shows the strategic importance the US places on Lebanon's security situation.
Lebanon's Official Stance
Official Lebanese sources informed The New Arab that Beirut had not been formally notified of any plans to establish a special military unit or engage in direct military coordination with Israel. This lack of formal communication notes a potential disconnect between the reported US proposals and the Lebanese government's official position. These sources stressed Lebanon's commitment to maintaining civil peace, asserting that the Lebanese army was capable of performing its duties if it received adequate logistical and financial support. This statement reinforces the army's role as the sole legitimate defender of the country, provided it is properly resourced. They additionally rejected reports suggesting direct Lebanese-Israeli military cooperation, firmly reiterating Lebanon's long-standing policy of non-normalization with Israel. The sources insisted that any future arrangements would remain contingent on Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory and the reactivation of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, linking any potential security discussions to broader historical grievances and existing international agreements.
Internal Warnings Issued
Retired Lebanese brigadier general Bassam Yassin cautioned that efforts to establish a specialized military unit risked exacerbating internal tensions within Lebanon and potentially serving Israeli interests. Yassin stated to The New Arab that pushing the Lebanese army into a direct confrontation with Hezbollah would be both "dangerous" and "unrealistic," given the deep societal and political complexities of the country. He emphasized that such an initiative could destabilize the country further by pitting Lebanese forces against each other, rather than addressing core security concerns through a unified national approach. Yassin's remarks show the complexities and potential pitfalls of proposals aiming to alter the existing security landscape in south Lebanon, suggesting that external solutions might create more problems than they solve.
Hezbollah's Red Line
The remarks by Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah were made amid growing political tensions in Lebanon, ahead of a planned security meeting at the Pentagon on May 29 involving Lebanese and US officials. This meeting is anticipated to cover a range of security issues pertinent to the region. Discussions reportedly included the possibility of a joint operations room involving Lebanon, Israel, and the US, a concept that has been met with strong opposition from Hezbollah and official Lebanese sources. This proposal for a trilateral operations room further illustrates the contentious nature of the security discussions and the differing visions for Lebanon's future security architecture.
