A Lebanese soldier observes the village of Khiam in southern Lebanon, Dec. 23, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
Facing international pressure and in an effort to contain the escalation, the Cabinet – which met on Monday – had only one choice: to crack down on Hezbollah. In addition to banning the party’s military activities, the Cabinet urged the army to implement the plan to place all weapons under state control “as quickly as possible and by all means necessary.” But the Army Chief, Rodolph Haykal, appears to fear a direct confrontation with Hezbollah’s members. He voiced this concern during Monday’s meeting in Baabda, which earned him criticism from the anti-Hezbollah camp and praise from the party’s supporters. Between the official decision to establish monopoly on arms and Hezbollah’s refusal, what can the army actually do?Speaking to L’Orient-Le Jour, a minister said that the army chief did not express “a refusal” to obey Cabinet orders. He...
Facing international pressure and in an effort to contain the escalation, the Cabinet – which met on Monday – had only one choice: to crack down on Hezbollah. In addition to banning the party’s military activities, the Cabinet urged the army to implement the plan to place all weapons under state control “as quickly as possible and by all means necessary.” But the Army Chief, Rodolph Haykal, appears to fear a direct confrontation with Hezbollah’s members. He voiced this concern during Monday’s meeting in Baabda, which earned him criticism from the anti-Hezbollah camp and praise from the party’s supporters. Between the official decision to establish monopoly on arms and Hezbollah’s refusal, what can the army actually do?Speaking to L’Orient-Le Jour, a minister said that the army chief did not express “a refusal” to...
