Amal and Hezbollah: A united front in Lebanon's political and military crisis

Lebanon’s President of Parliament, Nabih Berry, a close ally of Hezbollah, stated on Wednesday that the next 24 hours will be decisive in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which has been intensifying since October 8, 2023.

In a statement to the London-based Arabic daily Asharq al-Awsat, Berry, who leads the Amal Movement, confirmed that “serious efforts” were underway with international parties, including the United States, to bring an end to the current escalation. 

These diplomatic efforts are reportedly being coordinated with Lebanese Prime Minister Nagib Mikati, who is currently in New York attending the UN General Assembly.

However, when asked whether Hezbollah would consider separating the military fronts in Lebanon and Gaza, Berry categorically dismissed the idea. He referenced an agreement with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein during his previous visits to Lebanon, emphasizing that the proposed "separation of fronts" is the “only available and viable solution.”

This stance highlights the deep alliance between Amal and Hezbollah, as both movements share a common loyalty to Iran. 

Despite being presented as separate political entities, Amal and Hezbollah are intertwined in both ideology and military strategy, with neither acting independently of Tehran’s influence.

Ignoring UN Resolutions

While Berry emphasizes diplomatic efforts, there is a clear path to de-escalation that has been neglected for years—UN Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, which called for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militias and their heavy weaponry to at least 30 kilometers north of Israel’s border, near the Litani River. 

This resolution, however, remains largely unenforced, allowing Hezbollah to maintain a significant military presence close to Israeli territory.

From Israel’s perspective, the presence of heavily armed militias at its northern border represents a grave and legitimate security concern. Hezbollah's arsenal, reportedly bolstered by Iranian support, poses a significant threat to regional stability, further complicating the path to a peaceful resolution.

Lebanon's Weak State and Iranian Influence

Compounding the issue is Lebanon’s political and economic crisis. The Lebanese state, mired in financial collapse, is seen by many as being under the direct influence of Tehran. 

The government’s inability to deploy its army to the south—an essential function of any sovereign state—demonstrates the stranglehold Hezbollah and Amal maintain over the country’s military and political apparatus.

The failure to implement UN Resolution 1701 and the deep-rooted influence of Iran over Hezbollah and Amal leaves Lebanon in a precarious position. 

The absence of a neutral state authority capable of managing its own borders and military forces underscores the broader issue of sovereignty in Lebanon.

As Berry’s “intensive” diplomatic efforts unfold, the prospects for a genuine resolution will depend on whether Hezbollah and its allies are willing to loosen their grip on the country and adhere to international resolutions. 

Until then, Lebanon remains caught in the crossfire, with its sovereignty compromised by regional allegiances and a lack of political will.