Shenker: War Trajectory Tied to Lebanon’s Choices, Questions Government’s Ability to Enforce Decisions

Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker offered notable remarks addressing the role of the Lebanese state at the current stage, as well as the potential course of the war and prospects for negotiations.

Schenker pointed to internal challenges facing state institutions, particularly regarding their ability to enforce decisions, noting that the course of events largely depends on the choices Lebanon will make in the coming period.

Below are the key statements from his remarks:

"We know that the Lebanese army does not always comply with government decisions, and we recall what happened in 2008 when the party took control of Beirut."

"I do not know how the war will end, and this depends on what Lebanon will do regarding disarming the party."

"I do not think Israel will stop now."
"The party imposed this war on Lebanon."

"There are ministers in Lebanon who refuse to comply with government policies."

"Lebanon must play a role in the solution."

"I do not know what the upcoming negotiations between Lebanon and Israel will look like or what they will be about."