Aoun vs. Qassem: The Battle for Lebanon’s Political Soul During Ongoing War

Lebanon is currently witnessing a profound internal conflict between its state leadership and the Hezbollah terrorist organization. Following a statement by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem calling for an end to direct negotiations with Israel, President Joseph Aoun issued a direct rebuttal. Aoun dismissed accusations of surrender and treason, stating that the real betrayal is committed by those who sacrifice Lebanese lives to serve external interests. "How long will the people of South Lebanon continue to pay the price of others' wars on our soil?" the President asked, making it clear that he will not support a war that serves Iranian goals rather than Lebanese sovereignty.

While the President seeks a ceasefire agreement to end the devastation, Hezbollah is signaling a return to the violent tactics of the past. A senior military official from the group told Al Jazeera that they intend to use "suicide groups" and "tactics from the 1980s" to prevent the establishment of an Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. The group claims to have large numbers of terrorists deployed in occupied areas, with plans for suicide attackers to blend in with soldiers and officers within Lebanese villages. Naim Qassem also officially rejected direct negotiations, claiming that the "resistance" remains undefeated and will never give up its weapons.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Senior Command of the IDF, noting that while the military is operating freely across the Litani and within the security zone, the mission is not yet complete. Netanyahu highlighted the ongoing threats from 122mm rockets and drones as primary concerns that must be addressed before the war can end. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with UN envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, emphasizing that Hezbollah continues to violate the ceasefire under Iranian pressure. Sa'ar noted that many of the 10,000 missiles and drones launched at Israel since March 2 were fired from positions near UNIFIL posts. As Lebanon’s President pushes for a "non-humiliating" peace deal, the threats from Hezbollah suggest that the internal struggle for control over Lebanon’s future is as intense as the war on its borders.