December 13, 2024
By Nasser Kandil
• The resistance is waging cultural and political battles over its strategic narrative, particularly since it agreed to negotiations for a ceasefire and the implementation of Resolution 1701. Following its approval of the agreement and its readiness to fulfill its commitments, including withdrawing south of the Litani River, the resistance has sought to prove an undeniable truth that many attempt to dismiss: the occupation cannot be trusted, regardless of agreements or guarantees. The only safeguard for Lebanon remains the resistance.
• In the two weeks since the ceasefire was declared, the resistance has acted by urging the government and the agreement’s guarantors to curb Israeli violations, limiting its response to a single warning operation. This measured action signaled the resistance’s readiness and capability while prioritising diplomatic channels. This approach embarrassed the agreement’s American and French sponsors, exposing their inability to curb blatant Israeli violations or even deny their occurrence. With each passing day, their embarrassment deepens.
• The events in Khiam provide a stark example. Yesterday, the occupying army withdrew from the town, handing it over to UNIFIL forces and subsequently to the Lebanese Army. Yet, the occupation soon violated the ceasefire by targeting civilians after the army and UNIFIL had deployed. This sequence of events made it clear that Israel applies the agreement on its terms, treating withdrawal as separate from halting violations. The resulting embarrassment has now shifted from the agreement’s sponsors and guarantors to the Lebanese government and army.
This is particularly significant given the rhetoric opposing the resistance, which claims that international support and the legitimacy of the Lebanese state and its army are sufficient to deter Israeli aggression. However, Israel’s violations – driven by domestic Israeli discontent that rejects any claim of victory by its army or government – send a different message: “We remain victorious and do as we please”. The reality is that nothing deters Israel except strength, and the only strength capable of doing so is the resistance.
• The recent and forthcoming days of the ceasefire’s implementation offer a test of whether Lebanese legitimacy, bolstered by international backing, can protect the country. Yet, thanks to the resistance’s restraint and patience, the unfolding events have demonstrated the opposite.
The people of the south, whose choices are the focal point of this competition and who are the target audience for rival narratives, are discovering daily that their safety and peace of mind are directly tied to the strength of their resistance. They see clearly that nothing and no one can prevent Israel’s criminal aggression except the power of the resistance.
This period provides a draft for a national debate that may take place in the coming months. The documented events of these days will undoubtedly form its foundation.
