Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in intense battles on the border, with Lebanon’s army observing from the sidelines. As Israel commenced its ground invasion of Lebanon, Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants clashed along the border, while the Lebanese army remained mostly passive.
The Lebanese army, a respected institution that historically bridges the country’s sectarian and political divisions, has often found itself in the uncomfortable position of being a bystander in domestic conflicts. Despite its revered status and past leadership roles in the country, the army faces challenges such as an aging arsenal, lack of air defenses, and the impact of a prolonged economic crisis, making it ill-equipped to counter a modern, well-equipped force like Israel.
With around 80,000 troops, of which approximately 5,000 are deployed in the south, the Lebanese army pales in comparison to Hezbollah, which boasts over 100,000 fighters and a more advanced arsenal supported by Iran. The recent clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants escalated tensions in the region, prompting the Lebanese army to reposition troops and prepare for potential further escalations.
Analysts familiar with the army’s capabilities suggest that while the Lebanese troops would defend the country if invaded, their capacity for resistance is limited. The ongoing conflict underscores the significant military disparity between the Lebanese and Israeli armies, with historical precedence highlighting Lebanon’s struggles to match the might of its neighbour.
International aid to the Lebanese army has been crucial, particularly in combating external threats like ISIS. However, the army’s financial strain, exacerbated by Lebanon’s economic collapse, has hindered its ability to procure and maintain essential equipment. The United States, a primary donor to Lebanon’s military, has faced criticism over concerns that aid could benefit Hezbollah, complicating efforts to enhance the army’s defences against potential threats from Israel.
As tensions persist on the border, the Lebanese army finds itself in a precarious position, caught between regional power dynamics and internal challenges. The army’s role as a unifying force in Lebanon’s tumultuous landscape is tested amid the backdrop of escalating conflicts, underscoring the complexities of maintaining stability in a volatile region.