Life in Lebanon is gradually returning to relative normality as efforts focus on rebuilding roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure. Civilians are returning to their homes to assess the damage caused by the conflict.
Israel almost disrupted this fragile peace with attacks in Lebanon, but Hezbollah chose not to retaliate, allowing the ceasefire to hold. Interestingly, the Druze Herev Battalion of the Israeli army claimed no casualties during the 32-day conflict while reportedly killing 20 Hezbollah fighters.
Lebanese Politics: Quarrels with an Edge
Lebanese politics have resumed their usual pattern of quarrels and accusations, but with heightened tension. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt criticized Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah for acting unilaterally and expressed his refusal to let Lebanon become a battleground for the ambitions of Iran and Syria. Meanwhile, Saad Hariri condemned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s victory speech. In response, Syria accused Hariri of being a foreign spy and questioned why he was overseas during Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon—a point worth considering.
UN Peacekeeping and International Involvement
Efforts by the United Nations to gather support for the UNIFIL peacekeeping force continue. France, however, has only committed 200 army engineers for the first deployment, far below expectations. Additionally, Israel has objected to the participation of Malaysia and Indonesia in the mission due to their lack of diplomatic recognition of Israel.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated that both Lebanon and Israel would need to make tough decisions to secure the release of Israeli soldiers and Lebanese prisoners, highlighting the ongoing challenges to lasting peace.
The Cost of Reconstruction
The Head of the Council for Development and Reconstruction in Lebanon estimated the damage from the conflict at $3.6 billion. Several countries, led by Saudi Arabia, have pledged support for Lebanon's rebuilding efforts. Saudi Arabia has already announced a contribution of $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, the United States, concerned about Hezbollah’s growing influence, is striving to outpace Hezbollah’s reconstruction efforts by urging Arab nations like Saudi Arabia to expedite their aid commitments.
Lebanon Links
Reflections from the Middle East
BBC reporters from across the Middle East share their thoughts on the conflict.BBC: Israeli and Lebanese Debate
An email exchange between an Israeli and a Lebanese individual provides unique insights into differing perspectives on the war.In Depth – Middle East Crisis
A comprehensive resource aggregating coverage of Middle East crisis issues from BBC News.In Pictures: Israeli Views of the War
A photo journal exploring the views of six Israelis on the war's outcome.
Tags: Lebanon, Israel, Hezbollah, Middle East
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