Title: Beirut Explosion Aftermath: The Internal Schism and Growing Tensions in Lebanon
Date: [Insert Date]
In a recently published article in the Washington Post, Lebanese writer Lina Monzer sheds light on the catastrophic explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut on August 4, resulting in the death of nearly 220 people and leaving over 7,000 injured. Monzer emphasizes that this was not merely another fire, but a catastrophe that had been warned about for years.
The explosion was triggered by the detonation of tons of ammonium nitrate, which had been stored in the port without proper precautions since 2014. The impact of the explosion was so intense that it registered as a seismic event and was felt as far as Cyprus. Shockwaves spread throughout the city, accompanied by a mushroom of smoke rising into the sky.
Despite the devastation caused, the Lebanese government and authorities have been obstructing substantial investigations into the incident. The internal investigative committee faced resistance from politicians and authorities who refused to attend hearings, attempted to prosecute the appointed judge, and even dismissed the entire investigation. The lack of a proper investigation and compensation for the victims’ families has further deepened the societal divide.
Jacques Neria, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Institute of Public Affairs, highlights the concerning situation in Lebanon. He highlights that Hezbollah, a terrorist organization holding control over the port of Beirut, remained untouched by the explosion, raising questions about their influence within the Lebanese system.
Adding to the turmoil, Lebanon has been without a president since former President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. The country is currently under the leadership of a transitional government with limited powers. Political factions have been unable to agree on a presidential candidate, resulting in a paralyzed system unable to pass essential reforms.
Lebanon is grappling with multiple crises, including an economic downturn, a significant exodus of medical staff to other countries, and an influx of Syrian refugees. The absence of electricity and fuel shortages exacerbates the situation, with the population relying on generators for power. The country’s hope rests on the success of a drilling platform, which could potentially discover gas or oil reserves.
With the internal schism deepening and political divisions worsening, tensions with Israel also rise. Neria reveals that Hezbollah sees the current impasse as an opportunity to initiate a war with Israel, aiming to change the regional power dynamics. Hezbollah believes it can emerge victorious and impose its desired candidate in the presidential race.
Hezbollah’s military capabilities, including thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles and a vast arsenal of missiles, further fuel their confidence. They have developed an underground network of tunnels and canals across southern Lebanon, making preparations for a potential conflict with Israel. The deteriorating local infrastructure and living conditions in Lebanon no longer concern Hezbollah, as they prioritize maintaining their supply lines and their strategic relationship with Syria.
The absence of a functioning Lebanese government poses a significant challenge for Israel, as the assumption that local populations in southern Lebanon would seek refuge and exert pressure on the government no longer holds true. The increased tensions, coupled with the absence of a strong Lebanese government, have altered the dynamics of future conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah.
As Lebanon grapples with its internal struggles, it faces an uncertain future. The schism between different factions, the absence of a presidential candidate, a paralyzed political system, and growing tensions with Israel paint a gloomy picture for the country. The road to recovery and stability seems distant, and the fear of a renewed civil war looms large.