While some Lebanese officials have been recently heard advocating for the implementation of UN Resolution 1701—which formed the basis of an agreement to end Israel’s 2006 war with Hezbollah in Lebanon—the same politicians have been suspiciously silent on UN Security Council Resolution 1559. For his part, long-serving Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri—a leader of the Shiite Amal Movement and ally of Hezbollah—has recently restated his view that 1559 was a “relic of the past” that does not warrant renewed discussion.
The resolution—which calls for the withdrawal of foreign forces and the disarmament of militias, including Hezbollah—has long been a subject of fierce controversy not only in Lebanon but also in wider regional and international circles. Its critics misinterpret it. They see it as paving the way for unfriendly foreign forces to set foot in the country and exercise control over the Lebanese people. But this view does not hold any weight.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri bore the brunt of criticisms for his association Resolution 1559 when it was passed on 2 September 2004. He was assassinated the following year, and the United Nations Special Tribunal for Lebanon later indicted four Hezbollah members in absentia for their role in his murder.
Hariri's killing sparked national outrage, and the Cedar Revolution erupted in 2005, subsequently forcing Syria to end its almost 29-year occupation of its neighbour. With Syria gone, the discussion then turned to other armed groups in the country—namely Hezbollah and Palestinian factions.
