Lebanon’s Rejection of Hezbollah-Army Integration Sparks Diplomatic Tensions with Iraq
Beirut/Baghdad: A recent statement by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, categorically rejecting the integration of Hezbollah into the Lebanese army, has triggered a diplomatic flurry with Iraq, where a similar model exists with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
President Aoun’s firm declaration, “There will be no Popular Mobilization in Lebanon,” was perceived in Baghdad as a direct critique of Iraq’s security framework, particularly the PMF’s role. The PMF, a coalition of predominantly Shia militias, has been integrated into Iraq’s state security apparatus following its crucial role in the fight against ISIS.
The statement ignited immediate concern among Iraqi officials, who viewed it as a potential dismissal of the PMF’s legitimacy. The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly summoned the Lebanese ambassador in Baghdad, demanding clarification regarding President Aoun’s remarks.
The Lebanese government moved to address the growing diplomatic rift. Officials in Beirut asserted that President Aoun’s statement was misinterpreted and was not intended to discredit the Iraqi model. A key phone call between President Aoun and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani served to de-escalate the situation.
During the call, both leaders reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Lebanon and Iraq, acknowledging the unique challenges each nation faces in managing armed groups, maintaining sovereignty, and navigating regional influences. They emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding in addressing complex security issues.
The incident highlights the delicate balancing act faced by both Lebanon and Iraq in integrating powerful armed groups into their national security structures. While Lebanon seeks to maintain a unified national army, Iraq has adopted a model that incorporates the PMF into its state framework. This difference in approach, while reflecting each nation’s unique circumstances, underscored the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for regional misunderstandings.
