Lebanese army to move into south after Israeli withdrawal

Some promising news from Haaretz:

Lebanon will deploy its army in the south of the country after the Israel Defense Forces' withdrawal from the area, the Lebanese cabinet agreed Monday night, in a decision supported by all the ministers present, including the five Shi'ite ministers who represent Hezbollah and Amal.

The decision marks the first time since 1982 that the Lebanese government has decided to impose its sovereignty in the south of the country.

Lebanese officials are hoping that in the wake of the night's decision, the United Nations Security Council will agree to the amended U.S.-French draft resolution that calls for the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from the country.

Why promising? It's what Israel has wanted (and needed) all along, a self-governing Lebanon that can provide security in the Hezbollah-dominated south. And it's what Lebanon and the Lebanese people need, the assertion by a democratic government of legitimate sovereignty throughout the entire country. And it may encourage an end to this conflict, with Israel withdrawing from Lebanon and Hezbollah acceding to Lebanese authority -- and, beyond that, laying down its arms and operating as a Lebanese political party rather than as an anti-Israeli terrorist organization.

If nothing else, this could bring about the end of the current conflict. If Lebanon is able to assume control in the south, and to control Hezbollah, it could mean a breakthrough in the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It's too soon for optimism, to be sure, but at least there's a glimmer of hope out there.