Hamas Awakens Demons of Lebanese Collective Memory

In response to international calls for the effective implementation of Resolution 1701, Hezbollah has allowed the Palestinian movement Hamas to strengthen its military activities in Lebanese territory. This dynamic has led Hamas to establish the "Vanguards of the Al-Aqsa Deluge" in Lebanon, allowing anyone interested to join.
This announcement puts the Lebanese government and army before a major challenge, as the lack of intervention to prevent such actions will increase the risks of a total war that could have significant repercussions for Lebanon. Moreover, it will highlight the incapacity of the Lebanese authorities and the army to exercise effective control over Lebanese territory, not only in southern Lebanon but also in all regions where Palestinian refugee camps are located.

According to security information, the lack of firmness in preventing Palestinian missile launches from Lebanon has encouraged Hamas to undertake further military actions. However, the timing of the announcement of these actions remained uncertain for them until Hezbollah seized the opportunity in the context of the international campaign aiming to implement Resolution 1701. Thus, Hamas officially launched this military initiative. Available data does not rule out the possibility that this announcement is linked to the dispute regarding the extension of the mandate of the Army Commander-in-Chief, General Joseph Aoun, caught between two fronts: on one side, some advocate for the restriction of Palestinian military movements, while others argue in favor of granting Palestinians freedom of military action in support of Gaza.
This development will further complicate the situation on the domestic scene and in relations with international and Arab actors. According to Western diplomatic sources, if it were to materialize, it would compromise all efforts made to ensure Lebanon's protection. This scenario also risks thwarting any initiative aimed at political and economic solutions, given that the fear of transforming Lebanon — especially its south — into a second Gaza now represents a serious threat. Pressuring Israel to prevent it from attacking Lebanese territory seems even more delicate, as the idea itself might not come to fruition.
Furthermore, Hamas' announcement regarding the formation of the "Vanguards of the Al-Aqsa Deluge" from Lebanon has awakened the demons of the Lebanese collective memory. This dates back to the time of Fatah Land, whose headquarters were in the Arqoub area in southern Lebanon — to confront Israel — and continued with the adage that the path to Jerusalem goes through Jounieh, leading to a war whose repercussions are still felt today. This undoubtedly demonstrates the fact that Lebanon remains the only Arab country that has paid a heavy price in the name of the Palestinian cause.
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