Arab world expert claims: All signs show Israel won't let this happen

Dania Koleilat Khatib, an expert on the Arab world, warns in a column in Arab News that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon despite the agreement. She points to the destruction of roads, the establishment of checkpoints, and the consolidation of a military presence as evidence. An Israeli stay, she says, will strengthen Hezbollah politically, weaken the Lebanese government, and thwart the disarmament of the organization.

Dania Koleilat Khatib, an expert on the Arab world, warns in a column in Arab News that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, contrary to the agreement. She points to the destruction of roads, the establishment of checkpoints, and the consolidation of a military presence in the area as evidence that there is no real intention to withdraw. Khatib argues that an Israeli stay will strengthen Hezbollah politically, allow it to renew its resistance narrative, and weaken the Lebanese government led by Joseph Aoun. She notes a contradiction in Israeli policy: on one hand, Israel wants to disarm Hezbollah; on the other hand, its refusal to withdraw paralyzes the government and prevents this. Khatib recalls that Lebanon's decision to enter direct negotiations with Israel was an unusual step, and that an Israeli refusal to withdraw will deter future governments from approaching it.