Hezbollah supporters blocking Beirut airport’s old road with burning tires, in the southern suburbs, on June 27, 2026. (Credit: Ibrahim Amro/AFP)
In the wake of the signing of the Lebanon–Israel framework agreement in Washington, the Lebanese Army has once again been thrust into the spotlight. Presented with a fait accompli, it is now expected to undertake a sensitive mission in the so-called "pilot zones" that Israel will gradually hand over. Its primary task will be to verify the absence of Hezbollah missiles and military activities, and to ensure that no illegal armed presence remains in these areas before Israel withdraws from additional zones.This is a heavy responsibility for the army, whose Chief Rodolph Haykal has once again come under criticism for refusing to use force against Hezbollah despite Cabinet directives to do so. At a time when Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem insists that he rejects any disarmament north of the Litani River — where the "pilot...
In the wake of the signing of the Lebanon–Israel framework agreement in Washington, the Lebanese Army has once again been thrust into the spotlight. Presented with a fait accompli, it is now expected to undertake a sensitive mission in the so-called "pilot zones" that Israel will gradually hand over. Its primary task will be to verify the absence of Hezbollah missiles and military activities, and to ensure that no illegal armed presence remains in these areas before Israel withdraws from additional zones.This is a heavy responsibility for the army, whose Chief Rodolph Haykal has once again come under criticism for refusing to use force against Hezbollah despite Cabinet directives to do so. At a time when Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem insists that he rejects any disarmament north of the Litani River — where the "pilot...
