Netanyahu’s Revelation of Russian Weapons in Hezbollah Bases
In a significant disclosure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently informed a French newspaper that Israeli forces had uncovered sophisticated Russian weapons in Hezbollah bases located in southern Lebanon. Speaking to Le Figaro, Netanyahu emphasized that under the 2006 UN Security Council resolution, only the Lebanese army was authorized to hold weapons south of the Litani River.
However, the Prime Minister highlighted how Hezbollah had dug extensive tunnels and hidden weapon caches in this region. “In these tunnels, we found a considerable number of state-of-the-art Russian weapons,” Netanyahu said. He clarified that Israel had no intention of igniting conflict or interfering in Lebanon’s internal matters but stressed the importance of securing Israel’s northern border to ensure the safety of its citizens.
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What’s in History of South Lebanon?
The South Lebanese Army: Origins and Alliance with Israel
The South Lebanese Army (SLA) was formed in 1976, during the turbulent period of Lebanon’s civil war. Originally a breakaway faction from the Lebanese Army led by Major Saad Haddad, the SLA was primarily composed of Christian Lebanese and, later, other sectarian groups. Its formation was driven by the instability in southern Lebanon, where the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and other militant groups were operating freely.
Israel became a close ally of the SLA, supporting the militia in its efforts to contain the PLO and later Hezbollah. The SLA operated in a region known as the Southern Lebanese Security Zone, a buffer zone created by Israel to prevent cross-border attacks on Israeli towns.
The SLA’s Role During the Israeli Occupation
The SLA played a critical role during Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon following the 1982 invasion. Acting as Israel’s local proxy, the SLA fought against Hezbollah, which had risen as the leading resistance force against Israeli occupation. The militia not only engaged in military operations but also administered civilian governance in the Israeli-occupied areas.
The SLA was tasked with maintaining security in the region while combating Hezbollah’s guerrilla warfare. It also played a role in fostering civilian relations with Israel through the “Good Fence” policy, which allowed Lebanese civilians access to Israel for employment and medical services.
Hezbollah’s Resistance and the Decline of the SLA
As the 1990s progressed, Hezbollah’s insurgency against Israeli and SLA positions intensified. Despite Israeli support, the SLA struggled against the growing strength of Hezbollah, which had the backing of Iran and Syria. Over time, Israeli public sentiment turned against the continued occupation of southern Lebanon due to mounting casualties and the perception that the conflict was unwinnable.
In 2000, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak made the landmark decision to withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, effectively ending the occupation. Without Israeli military backing, the SLA quickly collapsed. Many of its members fled to Israel, seeking asylum, while others who remained in Lebanon faced prosecution or reprisals.
The Aftermath and Legacy of the SLA
The collapse of the SLA marked a major turning point in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict. For Israel, the withdrawal was seen as a necessity to end the costly occupation, while Hezbollah viewed it as a major victory. The legacy of the SLA remains contentious in Lebanon; its supporters argue that it was defending southern Lebanese communities from external threats, while its critics view it as a group that collaborated with an occupying force.
Today, the South Lebanese Army is remembered as both a symbol of resistance against militant groups and as a controversial force associated with foreign occupation. Its downfall was swift following Israel’s exit from Lebanon, yet the echoes of its influence remain present in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
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