Lebanese President Says 'No War' Again, As if He Gets a Choice
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun told a UN Security Council delegation he wants to avoid another war with Israel. One might recall a similar sentiment from Lebanon in 2006, just before Israeli forces bombed infrastructure and killed over 1,000 civilians. Or in 1982, when Israel invaded and occupied southern Lebanon for almost two decades, leading to such tragedies as the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
The U.S., a staunch Israeli ally, provided billions in military aid during these 'defensive operations.' Congress has approved over $35 billion in aid to Israel since 2006 alone (source: Congressional Research Service). This assistance enables what policymakers quaintly refer to as 'deterrence.' Of course, the mainstream media frames this as two equal sides deciding whether or not to 're-engage.'
It’s a convenient narrative that skips over who holds the F-35s and who holds the veto power at the UN Security Council. Funny how only one nation seems to dictate the terms of peace in this 'conflict.'