Lebanese held hostage to Hezbollah's decisions on war

Despite these provocations, Hezbollah has opted for "strategic patience," mirroring the Syrian regime's long-standing tolerance of Israeli transgressions, while periodically pushing the rules of engagement to demonstrate to its supporters that it remains committed to resistance.

From the outset of the conflict in Gaza, it was evident that both the United States and Iran were keen to prevent an escalation of the war.

Hezbollah – relying chiefly on the stance of the US administration but also on the internal discord within the Israeli government regarding the conflict's expansion – took a significant risk involving the lives of Lebanese people, especially those in the south.

Israeli assaults have already killed hundreds of Lebanese, including Hezbollah fighters and leaders, as well as civilians.

Throughout the conflict along the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, US envoy Amos Hockstein has made several visits to Beirut. On his latest trip, he emphasised that a truce in Gaza does not automatically guarantee a similar ceasefire in Lebanon.

Hockstein's insights are underpinned by his understanding that the reasons for the Israeli operation in Gaza are distinct from the tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border. His perspective is informed by his role as a mediator in 2022 on the landmark agreement over maritime borders between Lebanon and Israel.

Currently, he is channelling that experience to broker another diplomatic settlement between the two parties. The agreement on maritime boundaries, which was endorsed by both Hezbollah and Israel, saw the Lebanese government acting as a mediator between the US envoy and Hezbollah.

This extra level of diplomacy was needed because the US classifies Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, precluding direct negotiations with the group.

The role as an intermediary allowed Lebanon to facilitate discussions toward a resolution that could potentially ease tensions and foster a more stable regional environment.

Now, there is a sense of déjà vu. Negotiations currently underway between Israel and Hezbollah aim to solidify agreements related to Resolution 1701 and the demarcation of land borders.

Amid these discussions, Lebanon's official institutions, including the government, its prime minister, and relevant cabinet members, facilitate the dialogue between Hochstein and Hezbollah.

Lebanese held hostage

But their position is not entirely neutral. When negotiations encounter obstacles, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib do not primarily advocate for the conditions and interests of Lebanon or its people.

Instead, their actions seem to align more closely with serving the interests of Hassan Nasrallah, the de-facto ruler of Lebanon.

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This leaves Lebanon in what has become a familiar predicament– as a hostage to the politics of its current leaders.

For years, the selection of the country's president has been contingent upon Hezbollah's approval, leading to vacuums in government without their consent. Similarly, parliamentary elections proceed only under legislation favoured by Hezbollah. The government has become an instrument in this political hostage situation, with no immediate prospects for change.

The Lebanese people are caught in the crossfire of external conflicts, negotiations, and agreements. They find themselves imprisoned by circumstances beyond their control.

Once again, Lebanon has once again become a consolation prize in the wars of others.