Lebanese and Israeli flags in Metula, on Aug. 5, 2021. (Credit: AFP)
Although Islamist detainees have been at the center of the controversy surrounding the general amnesty law, the law also includes alleged drug traffickers, whose inclusion was pushed by Shiite MPs, as well as Lebanese who fled to Israel after its withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000, a cause championed by Christian parties. The text would allow them to return, except past members of the South Lebanon Army (SLA), the pro-Israeli militia led by Antoine Lahad, or those accused of treason. In practice, this means only the families of former SLA members would be allowed to return, mainly their wives and children. It remains unclear, however, how these families would return if the father or another family member remained in Israel.In 2000, when Israel withdrew from south Lebanon, nearly 5,000 Shiite and Christian Lebanese fled to Israel....
Although Islamist detainees have been at the center of the controversy surrounding the general amnesty law, the law also includes alleged drug traffickers, whose inclusion was pushed by Shiite MPs, as well as Lebanese who fled to Israel after its withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000, a cause championed by Christian parties. The text would allow them to return, except past members of the South Lebanon Army (SLA), the pro-Israeli militia led by Antoine Lahad, or those accused of treason. In practice, this means only the families of former SLA members would be allowed to return, mainly their wives and children. It remains unclear, however, how these families would return if the father or another family member remained in Israel.In 2000, when Israel withdrew from south Lebanon, nearly 5,000 Shiite and Christian Lebanese fled to Israel....
Hacking Lebanese Politics #36: Lebanon and the abolition of the death penalty
US aircraft carrier George Washington heads to Middle East
