Lebanon-Israel deal faces skepticism over Israeli withdrawal

Lebanon and Israel have signed a landmark agreement aimed at ending hostilities, brokered by the United States. However, experts express skepticism about its ability to guarantee an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, suggesting its implementation hinges on the actions of Hezbollah and its key backer, Iran.

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Without firm Israeli commitments, many residents of the south may continue to face insecurity, delayed reconstruction.

The agreement marks a historic step as Lebanon negotiated directly with Israel, despite the absence of diplomatic relations. This move comes in the wake of Hezbollah, backed by Tehran, drawing Lebanon into the broader Middle East conflict. Yet, Israel has stated it will not leave occupied Lebanese territory unless Hezbollah is disarmed, raising questions about the potential pitfalls ahead.

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The framework agreement is a grave blunder that is legitimizing Israeli occupation.

Imad Salamey, head of Political and International Studies at the Lebanese American University, noted that the agreement lacks firm guarantees for a full Israeli withdrawal or a significant reduction in military operations in southern Lebanon. This could leave many residents in the south facing continued insecurity and hindering reconstruction efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already indicated that displaced Lebanese civilians will not be permitted to return to occupied areas, with the agreement only mentioning "pilot zones" where the Lebanese army might assume control post-redeployment, contingent on external confirmation of disarmament.

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The government will not be able to implement it unless they go, with American support, to civil war.

Hezbollah has vehemently opposed the deal since direct talks were announced in April, branding it a "sin" and a "grave blunder" that legitimizes Israeli occupation. The group's leaders have warned that the Lebanese government cannot implement the agreement without American support potentially leading to civil war. Protests against the deal have occurred in Beirut, with some citizens calling it an "agreement of humiliation and shame."

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It is an agreement of humiliation and shame. Never in the history of the Lebanese Republic has anyone made an agreement like this one.