In an analysis published by The Zioneer, Vice President of the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs Aviram Balayish argues that the new Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, while a diplomatic achievement, will not bring real change as long as Hezbollah continues operating its 'parallel state' — a system of banks, schools, welfare services, media, and governance institutions. Balayish contends that only dismantling the organization's civilian power structures, alongside strengthening Lebanese state institutions, can prevent Hezbollah's recovery and lead to long-term stability.
The article, published Sunday afternoon, adds to a growing chorus of Israeli analysis questioning the framework agreement signed June 26 between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States. As The Zioneer has reported, Hezbollah rejected the deal, with Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem stating that disarming Hezbollah would destroy Lebanon. Other analysts have noted that the agreement leaves Hezbollah free to rebuild beyond the Israeli-declared security zone. Balayish's argument goes further, asserting that the agreement's focus on military disarmament ignores Hezbollah's entrenched civilian infrastructure — a 'parallel state' that provides banking, education, social services, media, and governance to its constituents. He argues that without dismantling these structures, the military threat will eventually regenerate. The Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs is a Jerusalem-based think tank.
2 developments
- DevelopingAbu Saleh: Lebanon Framework a 'Temporary Sedative,' Hezbollah Will Not Disarm
- StrongHezbollah rejects US-brokered Lebanon deal over demand to disarm before Israeli withdrawal
- DevelopingYoav Golan: Lebanese government cannot disarm Hezbollah
- DevelopingQassem: Disarming Hezbollah will destroy Lebanon
Source and signal
- Internal intake