File : Masked Hezbollah fighters as they march through a suburb of Beirut in May 2008 , when the party occupied a large section of Beirut . and tried but failed to occupy Mount Lebanon. The majority of the Lebanese now consider the heavily armed and Iran backed militia as the biggest threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty
By: Ya Libnan Editorial Board
While Resolution 1701, adopted after the 2006 Lebanon War, has been crucial in maintaining a fragile peace between Lebanon and Israel, it is clear that this resolution alone cannot ensure Lebanon’s long-term stability and security. To truly protect the Lebanese people, it is essential to fully implement Resolution 1559, which specifically calls for the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon, including Hezbollah.
The Incomplete Implementation of Resolution 1701
Resolution 1701 was designed to halt hostilities and establish a buffer zone between Lebanon and Israel. While it succeeded in reducing open conflict, it has failed to address the deeper issue of Hezbollah’s continued armed presence. Hezbollah remains heavily armed, operating as a state within a state, undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty and posing a constant threat to regional peace.
Resolution 1559: The Missing Piece
Adopted in 2004, Resolution 1559 explicitly calls for the disbanding and disarming of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. Its full implementation is critical to restoring Lebanese sovereignty, as it directly targets the existence of Hezbollah’s military wing. Without addressing Hezbollah’s arms, Lebanon’s security remains precarious, and the Lebanese people continue to be vulnerable to both internal instability and external threats.
Why Implementing 1559 is Crucial for Lebanon’s Future
Implementing Resolution 1559 would not only curb Hezbollah’s influence but also restore the authority of the Lebanese state. A disarmed Hezbollah means a stronger Lebanese army, capable of defending the nation without competing with a powerful militia. It would also help end the cycle of violence and conflict with Israel, which Hezbollah has perpetuated for decades. Moreover, disarming Hezbollah would signal to the international community that Lebanon is serious about reclaiming its independence from foreign interference, particularly from Iran, which has long backed Hezbollah.
The Path Forward: A United Effort to Protect Lebanon
To truly protect the Lebanese people, the international community must insist on the full implementation of Resolution 1559. The Lebanese government, along with its allies, must work toward this goal by strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces and asserting full control over all Lebanese territory. The failure to implement 1559 only prolongs Lebanon’s vulnerability to internal divisions and external manipulation.
Conclusion
While Resolution 1701 has been instrumental in reducing open conflict, it is not sufficient to secure Lebanon’s future. Implementing Resolution 1559 is a necessary step to disarm Hezbollah, restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, and protect its people from the risks posed by non-state actors. The international community must push for this resolution to be enforced, or Lebanon will remain in the shadow of militias and foreign interference.
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