Our co-editor-in-chief Anthony Samrani. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)
After multiplying its warnings, Israel seems to have made its choice: escalation. Not only because Israeli forces train daily for combat in terrain similar to southern Lebanon, but especially because, between ground incursions and airstrikes, Israeli army operations have intensified in recent days — particularly on Thursday, Nov. 6, when massive attacks targeted several localities in southern Lebanon.
"Your message has been received," said President Joseph Aoun to the Israelis, accusing them of rejecting "any negotiated solution between the two countries." On the Lebanese Army's side, commander-in-chief Rodolph Haykal raised, on Thursday, the prospect of a "suspension of the Army's plan" to disarm Hezbollah.
As December approaches — the deadline for the Lebanese army to complete the disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River — avoiding war, or at least escalation, seems increasingly complicated. Can a solution still be found? Are Israeli maneuvers a strategy of intimidation or should they be seen as a foretaste of a coming spiral of violence? How should we interpret statements by Rodolph Haykal and President Aoun?
Many questions are being raised in the current context. Ask your own to our co-editor-in-chief Anthony Samrani in the comments of this article (if you are a subscriber) or by email at livechatolj@lorientlejour.com. He will answer them here, this Friday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
See you soon.
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