Beyond peace: Lebanon and the Israeli question

Makram Rabah is an Assistant Professor at the American University of Beirut, Department of History. His book "Conflict on Mount Lebanon: The Druze, the Maronites and Collective Memory" (Edinburgh University Press) covers collective identities and the Lebanese Civil War.A recent statement circulating in Israeli policy circles makes for an uncomfortable but revealing read. It argues that a “one-time opportunity” has emerged to eliminate Hezbollah as a military force.The reasoning behind it is blunt: Iran’s economic crisis has weakened Hezbollah’s financial backing, while Syria’s transformation has deprived it of the geographic depth that once sustained its logistical network. From this perspective, Israel should engage with the Lebanese government to secure international legitimacy, coordinate with select Lebanese communities,...