Lebanese see little prospect of change after Israel’s election

Residents in southern Lebanon expect little change in Israeli military policy after the country’s upcoming election. Al Jazeera reports that people whose homes and communities have been affected by the conflict fear a change of government will not end Israeli operations or the occupation of territory in the south.

The report says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Gadi Eisenkot both support continued freedom of action for Israel’s military. Their stated goals include a demilitarised southern Lebanon, Hezbollah’s disarmament and security for residents of northern Israel.

Al Jazeera says attacks in southern Lebanon have intensified. Israeli and Lebanese officials have not held negotiations since early August, and Israel has said it will not make further withdrawals from Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms. Hezbollah rejects disarmament and has threatened to resist government efforts to impose it.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called last week for the framework agreement with Israel to be put into effect through practical steps, a clear timetable and a verification mechanism. The report says the Israeli army command is discussing what it calls “a new phase in operations”.

The election’s outcome and its effect on policy remain unknown. For residents interviewed by Al Jazeera, however, the shared positions of the leading political rivals offer little reason to expect a shift.