https://arab.news/4v6wq
The Lebanese government on Thursday made a landmark decision, committing to the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of the year. It approved the “goals” of US envoy Tom Barrack’s paper on “strengthening” the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The government stated that the army will present an action plan by the end of August.
Hezbollah was appalled by the decision. Mohammed Raad, a Hezbollah member of parliament, said that the group would rather die than surrender its arms. He added that the group’s arms are its honor. Hezbollah sent protesters to the streets in an attempt to put pressure on the government. However, they were quickly dispersed by the army.
Lebanon is required to abide by international law and by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The US is pressuring Lebanon to do so. And it should abide by international law, there is no question about it. However, when it comes to the Israeli side of the equation, Barrack’s paper only promises that the US will “facilitate” mediation with Israel over its withdrawal from the “five points” inside Lebanon and ceasing hostilities. Barrack was very clear when the Lebanese asked him whether Israel would withdraw and stop its raids on Lebanon if Hezbollah were to disarm: he said that there are no guarantees. Basically, Lebanon should abide by international law, while Israel can go by the law of the jungle.
