Hezbollah’s Concerns Over Lebanon-Israel Normalization Discussions

Hezbollah faces growing pressure amid discussions of normalization between Lebanon and Israel. Lebanese officials assert this is unacceptable, citing Israeli actions in southern Lebanon. Discussions are said to involve border disputes rather than normalization. Hezbollah stresses resistance against normalization, reflecting broader public sentiment. Political dynamics indicate the power balance is shifting, yet Lebanon remains loyal to unified Arab positions.

The balance of power in Lebanon is experiencing significant tension due to discussions on potential normalization with Israel. Within Hezbollah’s circles, pressure is escalating as responsible officials emphasize that such normalization remains categorically unacceptable. Reports from the pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Diyar indicate that the Lebanese presidential office has communicated this stance due to Israeli Defense Forces controlling areas in southern Lebanon and purportedly violating ceasefire agreements.

Officially, Lebanon has disputed claims that ongoing indirect negotiations aim for normalization, asserting that discussions are restricted to border disputes, excluding contentious areas such as Mount Dov. Despite this, the very mention of these talks has caused unease among Hezbollah and its Shiite ally, the Amal Movement. Political figures have expressed that normalization cannot be imposed upon Lebanon, highlighting a strong national consensus on this issue.

Officials further acknowledge a shifting balance of power that may currently favor Israel, but they assert that this condition is not permanent. The pro-Iranian axis, which includes Hezbollah, reportedly has numerous strategies yet to be employed. Lebanese sources underscored that the U.S. administration is aware of Lebanon’s resistance to normalization, reinforcing its commitment to a collective Arab position, particularly aligned with Saudi Arabia’s stipulation for a two-state solution as a prerequisite.

Hezbollah parliament member Ali Fayyad reiterated the party’s firm stance against normalization, stating, “Lebanon has not accepted and will not accept normalization with the Israelis. Israel is an enemy that contradicts Lebanon’s existence, identity, and interests.” He emphasized that the resistance movement reflects the majority opinion in Lebanon, urging caution against miscalculations by other parties, especially given Hezbollah’s diminished parliamentary majority following recent elections.

In summary, Lebanon’s political landscape remains steadfast in its opposition to normalization with Israel, as expressed by both Hezbollah and government officials. The discussions around normalization have triggered anxiety among Hezbollah factions, despite Lebanon’s official narrative that such talks pertain exclusively to border issues. The commitment to a unified Arab stance, especially in light of Saudi Arabia’s prerequisites, frames Lebanon’s position as one unwavering against any form of normalization with Israel.

Original Source: www.israelhayom.com