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Beirut, Lebanon – Tensions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have escalated after the militant group expressed strong opposition to the recently signed Israel framework deal between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon. Al Mayadeen reported on Wednesday that Hezbollah has warned Lebanese authorities that enforcing the deal, which includes the demarcation of the country’s maritime border with Israel, would lead to a full-scale civil war.
According to the report, MP Hassan Fadlallah, a leading member of Hezbollah, stated that the group would “confront any measure” taken by the government to implement its commitments under the agreement. Hezbollah has long been opposed to the framework deal, which they believe erodes Lebanon’s sovereignty and contradicts the country’s interests.
Fadlallah emphasized that the enforcement of the deal is impossible in the absence of civil war, stating that it would necessitate the involvement of United States military backing to implement the agreement. Hezbollah has also reiterated its opposition to the deal, describing it as a “serious threat” at the international level.
Hezbollah has maintained control over a significant portion of Lebanon’s territory and has a military arsenal, which it views as essential to the country’s national defense. The group has long been opposed to the disarmament of its armed forces, arguing that it contradicts the country’s needs and security interests.
The opposition from Hezbollah has significant implications for the Lebanese government, which signed the framework deal in October 2020. The agreement was negotiated by Prime Minister Saad Hariri and mediated by the United States, Israel, and France, amidst a prolonged maritime dispute between Lebanon and Israel. The dispute centers on the ownership of the Karish gas field, whose potential oil and gas reserves are estimated to be significant.
Tensions in the region escalated in recent weeks following statements from Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who threatened to use its military arsenal, if necessary, to defend Lebanon’s rights and interests. The opposition to the Israel framework deal has sparked concerns among Lebanese citizens, who fear that the agreement could lead to further instability in the already fragile country.
As the standoff between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government enters a critical phase, analysts believe that the country is on the cusp of a major crisis. Hezbollah’s warning of civil war underscores the gravity of the situation, which has significant implications for the future of Lebanon and the region as a whole.