Beirut, Lebanon - October 02, 2024

Decades of reliance on Western arms has made Lebanon subject to limitations in acquiring an advanced air force power and even air defense systems, said the country's former military official and seasoned analysts.

The role of the Lebanese military during the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah has been limited. Besides the multi-sect political system in the country, the national military is restrained in its power.

Since the Israeli attacks on Lebanon intensified in late September, drones have targeted central Beirut. The jets of Israeli Defense Forces roam the Lebanese skies, completing missions without any intervention. It is clear the Lebanese Armed Forces cannot do anything about it, not even intercept a missile.

This has tied the Lebanese Army's hands to defend its soldiers at the border. As Israel called to evacuate the south of the country, the military relocated its forces. Instead of staying in small groups scattered across the border, they are now clustered a few miles away.

On the other hand, Hezbollah went to acquire Eastern arms to empower itself against Israel.

When it comes to decision making, Hezbollah can unilaterally mobilize its fighters and attack Israel. But as a representative of all factions in the country, the Lebanese Armed Forces have to follow more complicated administrative procedures.

Shotlist:
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024:
1. Various of smoke rising over city;
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024
2. Various of smoke rising from rubble, residents, damaged buildings;
Tyr City, Lebanon - Recent
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali Abi Raad, former general, Lebanese Armed Forces (partially overlaid with shots 4-5/ending with shot 6):
"Lebanon's army was not allowed to acquire arms that would tip the balance of power against Israel. No one is selling us fighter jets. Our tanks are old. The downside of our army is that all its arms are Western, since the independence of Lebanon in 1920. You can't switch to [Eastern] arms in just days or months, and the expenses to do so are immense.";
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024
4. Smoke rising over city;
Tyr City, Lebanon - Recent
5. Ali's hands;
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Lebanon - Recent
6. Various of smoke rising in urban area, suburban area, coastal area;
Tyr City, Lebanon - Recent
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali Hamieh, military, strategic analyst (ending with shot 8):
"Hezbollah has Russian and Iranian arms. They also manufacture their own arms locally, like the four types of Fadi missiles. These are the missiles Hezbollah is using in the ongoing war. This can make the group fight for years to come. There are also bigger and more powerful weapons the group has not yet revealed.";
Lebanon - Recent
8. Various of smoke rising;
Tyr City, Lebanon - Recent
9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mounir Rabih, political analyst, AlModon:
"Lebanon is sharply divided over the role of its army, and its responsibility to engage in such battles. Nearly half of the country believes that this battle is not theirs to fight. The situation in Lebanon is very complicated, regarding to the roles of military and the armed resistance.";
FILE: Beirut, Lebanon - Date Unknown
10. National flag of Lebanon.

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