Lebanon Fears Third War with Israel Despite Hezbollah's Assurances
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun fears a devastating third war with Israel despite Hezbollah's pledges of non-interference. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of catastrophic consequences if the group joins a new regional conflict.
Anxiety is mounting in Lebanon over the prospect of a third war with Israel, despite Hezbollah's pledges to stay out of any new conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, according to a report published Sunday by the Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun remains deeply concerned, recalling that Hezbollah made similar assurances before the previous escalation in March, only to join the fighting following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Aoun is also proceeding with extreme caution regarding a newly initiated dialogue with the organization.
Aoun is acutely aware that another round of hostilities could prove devastating for southern Lebanon and the Shiite community. Similar warnings have reached him from multiple international actors, most recently from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reportedly warned Aoun in a phone call that Hezbollah joining the conflict would entail catastrophic consequences.
Meanwhile, diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel remain deadlocked over enforcement mechanisms in southern Lebanon. Lebanon rejects an Israeli proposal to assign non-governmental organizations to verify the demilitarization of test zones, while Israel rejects a Lebanese proposal to rely on UN observers.
Aoun told his critics that he explicitly ordered the Lebanese Armed Forces to avoid direct contact with the IDF while Israeli forces remain stationed on Lebanese territory. Hezbollah formally entered the previous round of fighting on March 2 following U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran, prompting widespread Israeli retaliation before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reached in April.
