As Israel warns of another war, let’s honor the fallen with peace
Sunday marked the third anniversary of the beginning of the July 2006 war. Three years have done little to erase the memories of that fierce 34-day conflict – over a thousand Lebanese, mostly civilians, dead, hundreds of thousands displaced and billions of dollars in damage.
Lebanon has rebuilt itself admirably since 2006. New construction covers many of the war’s scars and despite pronounced political differences peaceful elections have heralded calls for domestic compromise and unity. But Sunday, nonetheless, begins again what will be a somber month of remembrance.
Commemorations of war are an invitation to mourn the fallen and honor their sacrifice, but also a rare opportunity to come to terms with the past and move forward. Lebanon does not want another war. The July War was not lost but it came at a great cost, and as normalcy returns to the country, no one wants to relive the horrors of that conflict.
The presence of UN peacekeepers in the south and Security Council Resolution 1701 have given us padding, a bit of comfort that the onslaught witnessed in 2006 will be difficult to repeat. In addition, Lebanese parties are aware that any offensive maneuvers against Israel, and the price they would incur, would hurt the entire nation and likely their own popularity. But this, unfortunately, is no protection against adventurism.
A new dynamic has emerged since 2006, particularly since the election if US President Barack Obama. He has addressed the region’s many problems soberly and his push for a comprehensive peace should be taken seriously. He has spared no party or nation criticism.
Sadly, Washington’s revamped engagement in the region has born new risks. Obama has put serious weight on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. Buying time, Israel has avoided making substantive decisions on this issue, one that promises to further divide the country’s leading figures. Herein lies the danger: Too often divisions in the Israeli leadership manifest themselves outside the country – in places like Gaza and Lebanon. Indeed through Lebanon, Israel can opt to upset Washington’s new peace initiative.
These are perilous times; and this month of mourning and tribute should be coupled with the awareness of what may lie ahead. The dangers were made clear on Sunday with current and retired Israeli military brass using the anniversary of the July War as an opportunity to launch a barrage of admonitions and threats at Lebanon.
The Lebanese leadership, in conjunction with Hizbullah, should be working relentlessly to prevent another conflict, garnering diplomatic support and raising international awareness. This is not a sign of weakness, but of responsibility. Let others beat their war drums, while we work to build our country.