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In a recent interview, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib defended Hezbollah’s regional role while asserting that the Lebanese government had no influence over the decision to engage in conflict with Israel.
Speaking with CNBC’s Dan Murphy, Bou Habib committed to maintaining a cease-fire previously mediated by the United States and France, which is beginning to show signs of strain. He indicated plans to seek international funding for Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts.
“While we stand behind Hezbollah, as citizens of Lebanon, we do not endorse the war, and we acknowledge that the government did not decide to enter into this conflict,” he stated.
Hezbollah, which functions both as a paramilitary force and a significant political entity, has faced criticism for involving Lebanon—home to more than five million people—in a war many wish to avoid with Israel. The Iranian-supported group claims 13 official parliamentary seats, though it collaborates with allies, controlling a total of 62 seats within Lebanon’s 128-member parliament. Hezbollah also oversees much of the country’s borders and its airport.
“While Iran influences Hezbollah’s activities in Lebanon,” Bou Habib remarked, “it is crucial to note that Hezbollah is not in control of Lebanon. This government operates independently of Iranian influence, despite the presence of Iranian allies here.”
Will the cease-fire hold?
On the matter of the cease-fire, Bou Habib expressed confidence, stating that Hezbollah would adhere to the agreement “faithfully.” This cease-fire, which commenced recently, has allowed displaced individuals in both Israel and Lebanon to begin returning home after over a year of conflict.
However, tensions remain high, as accusations of violations of the cease-fire by both Israel and Hezbollah surfaced within just 48 hours of the agreement.
Lebanon is prepared to fully implement UN resolution 1701, according to Bou Habib. This resolution seeks to facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and manage Hezbollah’s positioning north of the Litani River, with the area ultimately falling under the jurisdiction of the Lebanese Armed Forces and a U.N. peacekeeping contingent. The plan outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli and Hezbollah forces over 60 days, a development U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein hopes will lead to a permanent resolution.
Additionally, the Lebanese Cabinet has reiterated its commitment to resolution 1701, which includes calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, among them Hezbollah.
Bou Habib acknowledged the complexities surrounding disarmament, stating, “As long as occupied territories exist, military resistance may be unavoidable. We need to resolve our border issues with Israel definitively.”
Political analyst Ronnie Chatah noted that the “occupation” referenced by Bou Habib primarily relates to the Shebaa farms, a small area claimed by Lebanon but considered by Israel as annexed land. Chatah emphasized that this territorial dispute does not justify the existence or scale of Hezbollah as a paramilitary organization.
Political deadlock
Lebanon has faced a protracted political stalemate that predates the current hostilities, having not had a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in 2022, leaving the government to operate in a caretaker capacity.
The Lebanese political landscape is characterized by a sectarian power-sharing arrangement intended to represent various religious groups. However, this system is often criticized for contributing to political gridlock.
While acknowledging that the current government may not enjoy universal trust among the Lebanese population, Bou Habib claimed it retains the confidence of a majority.
Rebuilding Lebanon
According to the World Bank, the recent conflict has inflicted approximately $8.5 billion in damage to Lebanon’s economy, encompassing physical destruction and economic losses.
Lebanon’s Economy Minister Amin Salam has indicated that the actual costs could be significantly higher, potentially reaching around $20 billion, factoring in losses related to infrastructure and employment. The World Bank also projects a contraction of the nation’s real GDP growth by at least 6.6% in 2024, with potential declines ranging from 8% to 12% in the year ahead.
“The challenges to financing reconstruction efforts in Lebanon are substantial and urgent,” emphasized Laila Al Amine, Country Director for Mercy Corps in Lebanon.
She detailed the extensive destruction wrought by the conflict on vital infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, and power facilities, highlighting the urgent need for considerable resources and skilled labor for reconstruction. Despite pledges of humanitarian aid, much funding remains undisbursed.
Bou Habib confirmed that Lebanon is receiving humanitarian assistance from various Gulf nations, but noted that discussions regarding additional funding for reconstruction efforts are still forthcoming.
While Gulf Arab nations previously contributed to rebuilding Lebanon after the 2006 conflict, ongoing economic downturn and the strengthened presence of Hezbollah may complicate and deter the international community from providing the necessary assistance for Lebanon’s costly recovery efforts.
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