Source: Kataeb.org
Sunday 9 March 2025 13:17:31
Lebanon is facing mounting tensions from its eastern border to the south, caught between multiple and overlapping threats. These range from recent security developments in the south to unfolding events in Syria, whose repercussions continue to spill over into Lebanon’s eastern frontier.
The deteriorating situation in Syria has further destabilized Lebanon. In addition to the already high number of Syrian refugees, a new wave of displacement is raising fresh concerns, bringing with it troubling security implications. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 300,000 Syrian refugees returned home following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, thousands have since made their way back to Lebanon, driven by Syria’s worsening economic conditions.
Observers warn that tensions in Tripoli—particularly after the attack on a Syrian boy in Jabal Mohsen and the subsequent statement issued by the Alawite Islamic Council—serve as a warning sign of potential unrest within Lebanon itself.
Meanwhile, security challenges along Lebanon’s eastern border remain pressing. Spanning roughly 375 kilometers, the border is characterized by rugged terrain and complex geographic overlaps, making effective control a daunting task..
The situation in the south is no less alarming. In recent days, Israeli airstrikes—among the most intense since the ceasefire agreement—have heightened tensions, coinciding with unannounced military exercises by the Israeli army along the frontier. These developments pose a significant challenge to Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts, which the current administration continues to advocate in Arab forums and in discussions with international delegations.
Amid growing uncertainty and regional volatility, urgent action is needed. A national dialogue centered on reconciliation and open discussion has become imperative to strengthen Lebanon’s internal front and prevent further destabilization. Only through such efforts—ensuring that all Lebanese stand on equal footing in shaping the country's future—can Lebanon safeguard its stability and unity.