Challenges to Israeli Normalization with Lebanon: An Analytical…

Israeli normalization with Lebanon is hindered by political and military realities. Israeli officials claim ongoing discussions are part of a larger plan under Prime Minister Netanyahu, yet the Lebanese resistance remains strong. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen notes that without neutralizing Iranian influence, normalization is improbable. Historical precedents further illustrate resistance against normalization efforts, especially given Hezbollah’s role.

Normalization between Israel and Lebanon remains a challenging aspiration due to a complex interplay of political, military, and ideological factors. An Israeli political source stated that discussions regarding Lebanon’s normalization are part of a broader strategy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They seek to continue the momentum created by changes in the region, emphasizing that both nations have demands regarding borders, suggesting a transactional approach to normalization.

Despite Israel’s ambitions, the historical context demonstrates enduring resistance against normalization. The Israeli government’s attempts have been thwarted by the resilience of Lebanon’s resistance front, particularly after recent setbacks suffered by this front, including the loss of pivotal logistical support from Syria. This weakening, however, has not culminated in the subjugation of the Lebanese resistance movement, which enjoys significant domestic backing.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen remarked that normalization discussions are premature, citing that success hinges on the neutralization of Iranian influence. He acknowledged the intricate dynamics regional developments create, consequently complicating the normalization process. Moreover, Israel’s strategic goal remains the maintenance of military supremacy in West Asia, indicating a potential imbalance favoring Israel from any normalized relationship.

The context of historical normalization efforts reveals continuous challenges faced by Israel. The failure of the May 1983 normalization agreement illustrates the enduring nature of resistance, as the agreement was renounced by the resistance movement within months. Netanyahu has consistently highlighted that without the dismantling of the resistance, peace with Lebanon stands unattainable, underscoring Hezbollah’s critical role in combating normalization efforts.

In conclusion, the prospect of Israeli normalization with Lebanon remains a distant objective, impeded by deep-seated historical grievances, the resilience of the Lebanese resistance, and regional complexities. Despite Israel’s strategic considerations and attempts to impose conditions for normalization, significant resistance remains, particularly from Hezbollah. The interplay of military power, geopolitical dynamics, and internal support structures will continue to challenge any efforts at normalization.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com