Lebanese Academic Calls for Peace with Israel, Hezbollah Faces Criticism
During a memorial event for former Lebanese President Bashir Gemayel in Beirut, Dr. Salameh Al-Mashnouq, a political science lecturer at Saint Joseph University, openly called for Lebanon to pursue a peace agreement with Israel, not just a ceasefire. This statement, made in a region where Christian communities are reportedly less fearful of Hezbollah, has garnered significant attention.
Al-Mashnouq's remarks come at a sensitive time for Hezbollah, following the destruction of its extensive tunnel network on the Ali Taher ridge by the IDF. Hezbollah reportedly attempted to deter Israeli forces with drone attacks and sought Iranian intervention, but Iran ultimately did not provide support, leaving Hezbollah to "bleed." An Israeli official indicated that the IDF managed the operation with controlled media policy to allow Iran plausible deniability.
Hezbollah has attempted to reframe the loss of the tunnel complex, portraying fallen fighters as martyrs and accusing Israel of psychological warfare. However, the organization has not issued an official statement on the loss, with Hezbollah parliament members disseminating these narratives. This failure has also led to criticism from within the Shiite community, particularly from residents of Nabatieh who fear becoming the next IDF target. Over 400 residents from Nabatieh and surrounding southern Lebanese villages have called for the Lebanese army to deploy to the area, criticizing Hezbollah for not handing the ridge over to the army, which they believe forced the IDF's hand.
Concerns remain that parts of the western tunnel system connected to the Nabatieh area may not have been neutralized, suggesting the Israeli operation might not be fully concluded. Following the operation, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi toured the northern sector to oversee the redeployment of forces. Despite the Defense Minister's strong statement about controlling the ridge, the IDF clarified that physical occupation of the area is not planned, emphasizing the need for a new strategic approach to maintain security.
