Lebanon's Hezbollah dilemma

Lebanon is facing a crucial test.

- By SETH J. FRANTZMAN

As US-Iran tensions grow, the Lebanese government is concerned that Hezbollah could drag Beirut into yet another destructive war.Reports indicate that Israel has made it clear that Hezbollah's intervention will not be tolerated, and repercussions could be severe.

Al-Ain media in the UAE noted that there are many moving parts to the equation in Lebanon, which include "sectarian complexities, Hezbollah's regional calculations, and the risk of a wider confrontation erupting between Iran and Israel are all factors that could reshuffle the cards."

Al-Ain's report says that in recent weeks, "Lebanon has witnessed unprecedented diplomatic and political activity that has placed the issue of disarming Hezbollah at the top of the priorities."

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recently visited southern Lebanon, thus indicating that the government is serious about dealing with Hezbollah. Nevertheless, there is little evidence is that Beirut has made strides in disarming Hezbollah.

Additionally, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander-in-Chief Gen. Rodolphe Hayka recently flew to the US for meetings with US Central Command and officials, who praised LAF.