Lebanon, Israel, and the US all support Lebanese Army pilot zones in the south - but each side appears to have a different idea of what success means and how to deal with Hezbollah.
There appears to be a disconnect between what Beirut, Washington, and Jerusalem expect from the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in proposed pilot zones in southern Lebanon. On paper, all three sides appear to support an increased role for the Lebanese Army. However, they seem to have very different ideas about what that deployment is supposed to accomplish.
On July 20, the US State Department said, “Today, pilot zone operations began in the villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya in accordance with the Trilateral Framework [Agreement] and under the auspices of the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon. This milestone is a direct outcome of last week’s discussions between Israel and Lebanon in Rome. “The United States will continue working closely with both parties to implement the Framework to a successful conclusion.”
...Beirut appears primarily focused on using the pilot zones to secure an Israeli withdrawal or redeployment. The concept is clear from Lebanon’s point of view. The LAF deploys soldiers and vehicles, demonstrates that it has a presence on the ground, and then hopes the IDF will keep leaving new areas. Beirut can then say it has fulfilled its obligations.
...There is one major problem with this approach: Hezbollah is barely mentioned by Beirut or its supporters. It is always seen as the “he who shall not be named,” like in Harry Potter. The United States appears to have a more ambitious objective. Washington has invested in the Lebanese Army over the years. The goal of the US is for the Lebanese state to restore its sovereignty.
...That means the army should actually do what an army is supposed to do. It should control territory, secure borders, prevent Hezbollah from operating, and ensure that the state has a so-called monopoly on weapons. That means preventing Hezbollah from stockpiling so many weapons that it basically supplants the army in terms of its powers. In southern Lebanon, this inevitably means dealing with Hezbollah. (Ed note: How do you like that decision? Did Israel just get thrown under the bus again by deal making Presidents?) (Read More)
