Hezbollah Continues to Challenge Israel’s Control in Southern Lebanon
In a recent development, the Hezbollah organization, led by Hassan Nasrallah, has succeeded in mobilizing the Lebanese government to join their fight. Last week, anti-tank fire originating from Lebanon towards Israel has set a worrying precedent, indicating Hezbollah’s determination to establish control over southern Lebanon, even if it means confronting Israel. Adding fuel to the fire is the issue of illegal tents erected by Hezbollah near Mount Dov, which the organization is now using as a base to stake their claim on the territory in South Lebanon.
According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, an outlet affiliated with Hezbollah, the shooting from Lebanon is a continuation of the ongoing confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel at Sheba Farm on the northern border. This confrontation began when Hezbollah set up two tents near the Israeli border, manned by armed men. The terrorist organization has been explicit in their demands to the Lebanese government, urging them to take action “to prevent the Israeli occupation of the Lebanese part of the city of Ajjar.” It appears that the government has responded to this demand. Hezbollah has alleged that Israel has erected fences and effectively occupied the entire village. The Alma Center for the Study of Security Challenges in the North suggests that Hezbollah is using the tent in Ajjar to escalate their demands further. It seems that from Lebanon and Hezbollah’s perspective, the dispute extends beyond the area of Mount Dov.
To address the escalating tensions, interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati held a meeting with General Harold Lazaro, the commander of the international forces operating in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, in the presence of Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou-Habib. Bou-Habib stated that the Israeli side had demanded the removal of the tent near Mount Dov. After the meeting, he asserted, “we want them to withdraw from northern Ajjar – which is considered Lebanese territory.” The foreign minister also noted that Lebanon has recorded approximately 18 Israeli border violations.
At the end of the month, the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate to guard the border between Israel and Lebanon will be discussed once again. Originally stationed in 1978 as a peacekeeping military force, UNIFIL was tasked with ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Following the Second Lebanon War in 2006, UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded, granting them enforcement powers, including the authority to arrest armed Hezbollah operatives and take action against the IDF if they interfere with the mandate. According to the Lebanese Foreign Minister, the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate will be discussed by the UN Secretary-General on July 20. Lebanon intends to send a delegation to New York to present their position on the issue.
The situation between Hezbollah and Israel in southern Lebanon has become increasingly complex and tense. With Hezbollah’s continued insistence on control and the Lebanese government’s apparent support, it remains to be seen how this conflict will unfold and whether UNIFIL can effectively maintain peace in the region.