Hezbollah cuts ties with Lebanon's presidency while sparing the army

Hezbollah has significantly escalated its confrontation with Lebanese authorities, especially the presidency, in the lead-up to President Joseph Aoun's visit to Washington. A Hezbollah lawmaker declared that "the bridges with the authorities have been severed," indicating a sharp deterioration in relations.

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the bridges with the authorities have been severed and the consequences will not be favorable.

Despite this heightened rhetoric, Hezbollah has maintained a policy of avoiding direct confrontation with the Lebanese Army's leadership. This stance contrasts with previous warnings that any attempt to disarm the group by force would be met similarly to actions against the Israeli military.

The current escalation appears to be a clear signal of Hezbollah's opposition to a proposed plan for "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. This plan, discussed among Lebanese, American, and Israeli officials, aims to place the region under the control of the Lebanese Army, necessitating the withdrawal of both Israeli forces and Hezbollah's military presence. Hezbollah had previously voiced strong criticism of this framework agreement and its provisions.

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the problem with this government has become serious, very serious. The bridges with it have been severed, the possibility of reaching an understanding no longer exists, and the consequences will not be favorable.

Military sources indicate there is no current decision to forcibly implement these pilot zones, emphasizing that the issue requires dialogue and political resolution rather than direct confrontation between the Lebanese Army and Hezbollah, which could have catastrophic consequences. Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah had previously accused President Aoun of exacerbating divisions, while another lawmaker, Ali Fayyad, stated that understanding between Hezbollah and the government is no longer possible.

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after finding itself on the chopping block and after the decision was made to eliminate its military wing.

Professor Hilal Khashan of the American University of Beirut suggests Hezbollah's escalating rhetoric stems from existential challenges, potentially leading to street-level unrest. He warns that the situation is becoming extremely difficult and dangerous, and that any confrontation involving the army could have severe consequences, a risk well understood by the army commander.

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it is not unlikely that Hezbollah will escalate in the streets in the coming days and weeks, despite President Aoun's warning that taking to the streets is a red line.