Israel: Growing Concern over Lebanese-American Arms Deal

Israeli officials worry that the arms sale agreement between Lebanon and the United States, made during Lebanese President Michel Suleiman's visit to Washington this week, might strengthen Hezbollah. Under the bargain, the US will provide the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with 12 Raven unmanned reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft in the coming months.

Israel is concerned that the Lebanese national unity government has allowed Hezbollah to keep its weapons. Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hizbullah was becoming the "real Lebanese army" as the dominant force in Lebanon. This should be aligned with Netanyahu's past warnings that the Lebanese government is responsible for any rocket attack directed against Israel from Lebanon.

Middle East Inside Line: Hezbollah Keeps Its Weapons (Legally) in Lebanon

On Wednesday, the 30 members of the Lebanese cabinet approved Hizbullah's right to keep its weapons. The endorsement dismisses a United Nations resolution after the Second Lebanon War calling on Hezbollah to disarm.

Some anlaysts have argued that the Western-backed Hariri Government is not willing to pursue disarmament, as this would raise tensions with Hezbollah, which has veto power over government proposals.