Lebanese Defense Minister Warns Israel

Yesterday the Jerusalem Post had an article in which the pro-Syrian Lebanese Defense Minister, Elias Murr, warned Israel that the Lebanese Army may join forces with Hezbollah if Israel invades South Lebanon. This would be a disturbing change of events regarding the internal situation of Lebanon, allying more groups of people to Hezbollah’s cause. It could cause the Lebanonization of the war. If these events were to occur, Hezbollah could gain more support and possibly the people may start believing in their message. It might change the dynamics of the war as far as the Lebanese street is concerned. On the other hand, under the 1989 Taif Accord which ended the Lebanese Civil War, 2/3 of cabinet members would have to approve of all matters regarding war and peace. The majority of the cabinet members are anti-Syrian, and would most likely be too reluctant to allow the Lebanese Army to be used with Hezbollah. Elias Murr’s threat could be considered empty threats, unless Israel makes horrible p.r. moves.