Lebanon’s Border Security Challenges: Prospects for International Forces and Disarmament

The article discusses the challenges Lebanon faces in securing its border with Syria amid historical attempts and proposals for international force deployment. Following clashes, Lebanon’s obligation to control illegal crossings and disarm factions like Hezbollah has become urgent. A new iteration of UN Resolution 1701 may be necessary to achieve effective border security through international consensus.

The concept of deploying international forces at the Lebanon-Syria border first emerged following the July 2006 War with the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution aimed at enhancing UNIFIL capacities in southern Lebanon, urging measures to control the border without explicitly endorsing the stationing of international troops along the Syrian frontier. Despite advocating for such deployment, both France and the United States faced staunch resistance from the Assad regime and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In 2007, the Lebanese government, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, formally requested U.N. assistance to regulate the border amidst rising tensions including assassinations and bombings. However, this request did not materialize due to the prevailing internal divisions within Lebanon regarding the approach to Syria and continuous opposition from the Assad regime.

The Syrian War, which commenced in 2011, prompted renewed discussions about international forces or enhanced monitoring to curb weapon and fighter smuggling across the border. Nonetheless, persistent internal disagreements resulted in the disintegration of any proposed initiatives, further complicated by the Assad regime’s resolute objections.

Recent conflicts have emerged along the border following the 2023 war in southern Lebanon. An agreement for a ceasefire, the downturn of the Assad regime, and the emergence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have influenced tensions, leading to intermittent clashes between new regime fighters and Lebanese tribal groups. The Lebanese army has intervened multiple times, coordinating with Syrian counterparts to stabilize border security.

Tensions surged after incidents in Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali, revealing underlying issues not merely linked to disputes over smuggling or land ownership but also regarding territorial claims by the Syrian regime. Presently, Lebanon faces the imperative to secure its border ardently, eliminate illegal crossings, disrupt Hezbollah’s armament channels, and dismantle any stored weaponry, particularly those belonging to Hezbollah or local tribal entities.

Consequently, Lebanon is tasked with continuing disarmament efforts and enforcing Resolution 1701, which should extend to the northeastern borders to establish a demilitarized zone devoid of armed factions. These evolving circumstances have rekindled discussions about reforming Resolution 1701, fostering the hope of international consensus for deploying forces between Lebanon and Syria.

In summary, the longstanding issues regarding security and control at the Lebanon-Syria border remain pressing. Favoring effective disarmament and international cooperation, Lebanon must navigate internal divisions while addressing external pressures. The potential for a revised Resolution 1701 may offer a pathway to establishing necessary international forces, aimed at ensuring regional stability and security along this critical frontier.

Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv