A report by the Alma Research Center raises alarms about the Lebanese Armed Forces’ (LAF) ties to Hezbollah, citing an increase in Shi’ite representation that undermines national security. President Joseph Aoun’s claims of state control over security are met with skepticism. The document warns that the LAF may struggle to act independently and suggests reforms to counteract this trend.
A recent report from the Alma Research and Education Center highlights concerning developments within the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), particularly its growing association with Hezbollah. The report casts doubt on the LAF’s ability to uphold the ceasefire with Israel, suggesting that increasing Shi’ite representation within the army undermines its national security role.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asserted the state’s authority over national security, stating, “Only the state will be responsible for security,” in a bid to gain international support. He is currently seeking to renew Saudi aid to the LAF, which has been on hold since 2016 due to Lebanon’s diplomatic stance with Iran and Hezbollah, its ally.
Despite Aoun’s rhetoric, analysts express skepticism regarding the actual changes in the LAF’s dynamics. According to Tal Beeri from the Alma Center, “Aoun says what the Americans want him to say, but in the end, there is reality, and unfortunately right now it shows other things.” This commentary illustrates the complex scenario where external expectations do not align with internal challenges.
The report outlines a perilous trend of Shi’itization within the LAF, emphasizing demographic shifts away from recruiting Christian youths towards increasing numbers of young Shi’ites. This shift raises concerns that the LAF may devolve into a factional force in support of Hezbollah. Moreover, the collaborative relationships between Shi’ite soldiers and Hezbollah may allow the latter to bypass international resolutions, exacerbating security risks.
Recent failures to uphold the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire further substantiate these fears, as the LAF was unable or unwilling to prevent civilian infiltration in sensitive areas. Compounding this issue are familial ties between LAF personnel and Hezbollah operatives, raising the likelihood of the LAF being utilized as a supporting force for Hezbollah, which would be detrimental to its independence.
The report also highlights past instances of U.S. supplied military equipment leaking to Hezbollah, challenging the premise that the LAF could effectively counterbalance the organization. This imperils the rationale behind providing aid to the LAF, as historical cooperation with Hezbollah questions its reliability as a national military. Instead, the report advocates for international interventions to diminish Hezbollah’s influence and curtail the sectarian transformation of the LAF.
To ensure effective military governance, the report suggests reassigning Shi’ite officers from southern Lebanon to prevent further erosion of the LAF’s capabilities against Hezbollah. Notably, Aoun’s practical influence within the army could facilitate such changes. The pressing need for reform underscores the imperative for international stakeholders to reconsider their strategies towards Lebanon’s security landscape.
The report from the Alma Research and Education Center raises significant concerns about the Lebanese Armed Forces’ evolving relationship with Hezbollah. The increasing Shi’itization within the LAF challenges its effectiveness as an independent national military force, jeopardizing Lebanon’s overall security. President Aoun’s commitment to restoring state authority is questioned amid the realities of military cooperation with Hezbollah. Ultimately, effective reforms and international engagement may be essential to stem the tide of sectarian influence in the LAF and restore its operational integrity.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
