Lebanon Must Strengthen Army to Implement UN Resolution
A recent meeting of the United Nations Security Council highlighted the importance of strengthening Lebanon’s army in order to enforce Resolution 1559, which aims to disarm all militias in the country. Hezbollah, the only militia to retain its arms after the civil war, poses a challenge to this resolution, with tensions escalating on the border with Israel.
The United States and France stressed the need for a strong, sovereign Lebanon protected by the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain peace on the border. A proposed ceasefire remains on the table, but diplomatic efforts continue to find a lasting solution.
France plans to host a conference to support Lebanese institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces, and ensure their deployment in the south. UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission, stands ready to assist in diplomatic efforts while urging parties to abide by Resolution 1701.
Overall, a focus on implementing international resolutions, upholding Lebanese sovereignty, and strengthening state institutions will be key to resolving the current crisis and promoting peace in the region.