UN draft resolution seeks Hezbollah disarmament, Lebanon neutrality amid Israel war

A reported new draft UN Security Council resolution aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah is raising concerns in Lebanon, with critics calling it a form of psychological pressure serving Israeli interests. The draft, currently under discussion among UN Security Council members according to local newspaper Al-Modon, proposes a ceasefire, border demarcation, disarmament of Hezbollah, and major political changes in Lebanon that include new general and presidential elections, and a new 'neutral government'.

This comes as Israel presses its war on Lebanon and assault on UNIFIL peacekeepers along the Blue Line border.

The draft resolution, whose full text was published by Al-Modon, goes beyond a simple ceasefire. It combines various international resolutions and political initiatives, including Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701, calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah, border resolution, and international force mandates. It also proposes a complete overhaul of Lebanon's political system, including early elections, a new president, and a technocratic government. The aim is to establish a long-term ceasefire, ensure the withdrawal of foreign forces, and strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty.

The resolution demands that Hezbollah immediately halts all attacks on Israel, while Israel must cease all offensive operations against Lebanon. It also supports a roadmap proposed by the United States and France to end the conflict and address Lebanon's political crisis by reconstituting the government through elections within 60 days.

Critics argue that the resolution serves Israel's interests and undermines Lebanese sovereignty.

In this context, a source close to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, "The published text is just a draft, and we have confirmed our commitment to implementing Resolution 1701 in its entirety. There should be no circumvention of any decision or exploitation of current military actions. We emphasize the necessity for Israel to cease its aggression and comply with Resolution 1701, which it continues to violate. This is the priority today."

The source pointed out that "diplomatic efforts are underway to secure a ceasefire, and Lebanon has supported the initiative, including the government, which has ministers affiliated with Hezbollah, indicating their approval as well, while the enemy continues its aggression. We have supported the U.S.-French initiative, which is also backed by Arab and international parties, as we believe it would pave the way for negotiations leading to a ceasefire."

For his part, a parliamentary source from Hezbollah told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, "There will be no discussion or negotiation before the aggression stops," considering that "if this draft comes to fruition, it would merely be an attempt to pressure Hezbollah and Lebanon, with external forces, particularly the U.S., attempting to impose political and security changes under the guise of the ongoing war, under the mistaken belief that the party is defeated. On the contrary, Hezbollah is at the peak of its operations and will not back down or accept any compromises at the expense of Lebanon and its land." He added, "All American projects serve Israel's interests and fulfill its conditions, and this is evident by the fact that demands are always directed at Lebanon to comply."

Mohannad Haj Ali, Deputy Director of Research at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, said, "This is an initial but very ambitious draft that calls for reshaping the political authority in Lebanon, such as holding parliamentary elections within 60 days, which would practically mean translating the results of the war on the ground to the ballot box, essentially transferring the anger in the streets immediately after the war and destruction into votes."

Haj Ali told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, "This will undoubtedly lead to violence, sectarian tension, and an internal crisis, which is impractical. Thus, this draft and its promotion at this time are part of psychological pressure and warfare, and it is evident from the initial headline of the draft that the endeavor is not serious but aims only to waste time and serve Israeli objectives at this particular stage, putting it more in the realm of psychological warfare than a genuine diplomatic endeavor."

Commenting on the issue, university professor and human rights activist Dr. Jad Tohmeh said, "The old version of Resolution 1701 raised questions regarding the implementation mechanism, which included the need for a demilitarized zone between the southern borders and the Litani River. So, how can any new resolution be implemented that includes additions as reported in the media?"

Tohmeh added, "The circulating draft contains extremely sensitive topics, including the disarmament of Hezbollah by name and granting international forces extensive powers under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, allowing intervention and the use of force to implement the resolution. More so, there is talk of a secure transition of power within 60 days, which implies an attempt to remove Hezbollah from both the field and the political arena simultaneously. It also includes notable references to the gradual return of displaced persons to their areas and imposing border demarcation, concluding with the requirement to withdraw foreign forces from Lebanon, although it is known that no foreign forces exist in Lebanon except, possibly, Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers who are said to have taken over Hezbollah's leadership duties."

Meanwhile, consultations on the implementation of Resolution 1559 are ongoing. On Monday 14 October, Security Council members are expected to receive a briefing from Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo on the latest report, which emphasizes Lebanon's sovereignty and the need for disarmament of all militias, including Hezbollah. Despite more than 20 years since its adoption, key elements of Resolution 1559 remain unfulfilled, particularly the disarmament of Hezbollah, which continues to undermine Lebanon's security and sovereignty.