Barring any unforeseen developments, the new Lebanese government is set to ratify its ministerial statement, which will then go to parliament for a vote of confidence. The statement will be brief and include articles concerning the fight against terrorism targeting Lebanon, the basic needs of the people and holding presidential elections within the constitutional deadline of May 24. However, there is still one point of contention over the concept of resistance, which is seen both domestic and externally as equating to a legitimization of Hezbollah’s weapons.
This issue has gone through many phases and wordings since the end of the Lebanese civil war in 1990. The first government formed following the signing of the Taif Accords, which provided cover for the Syrian guardianship over Lebanon after Oct. 13, 1990, explicitly supported the “valorous resistance.” After that, the issue was never a subject of discussion, even after the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon on April 26, 2005. Although Rafik Hariri assumed the premiership during the “era of the second independence,” the issue of resistance did not face any difficulties. However, there was a striking disparity. On May 7, 2008, an armed clash took place between the Sunni Hariri camp and individuals belonging to the Shiite Hezbollah and Amal movement.
