Who will tell Samer Hanna that Hezbollah now cares about the army’s dignity?

Hezbollah objected to the defense minister being prevented from speaking during the general amnesty session, with its MPs walking out in what they described as a defense of the army and freedom of expression.

The irony is that the party continues to maintain weapons and military decision-making outside state authority. Its record also includes the 2008 killing of Lebanese Army Captain Samer Hanna after a military helicopter was fired on by Hezbollah members, as well as years of intimidation and accusations of treason against political opponents.

From challenging the state’s authority to condemning the silencing of a minister, Hezbollah appears to have suddenly rediscovered the importance of the army and freedom of expression.