It's time for unity in Lebanon

An obviously nervous Hezbollah shot at a Lebanese army helicopter and killed its pilot after apparently thinking the aircraft was Israeli. It was, in part, the result of repeated Israeli threats of invading Lebanon, made by Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his defence minister, Ehud Barak.

The incident, which shocked the country, happened as Lebanon is gearing up to tackle the controversial issue of its National Defence Strategy. It will be discussed in a national dialogue, which President Michel Sulaiman is expected to lead following Ramadan. The plan is aimed at defining Lebanon's defence capabilities vis-a-vis the Israeli threat, and whether or not Hezbollah should be able to keep its weapons. Or perhaps the group, which is credited with liberating the south in 2000, would be integrated into a new army. The helicopter incident highlights the urgency and importance of drawing up that strategy. For many, it could have been avoided had there been greater communication between the two parties on the ground - the army and Hezbollah.

A unified platform will increase and enhance co-ordination amongst relevant powers, especially in the south. It will also put all weapons and arms under the authority of the state, whereby the Lebanese army can benefit from Hezbollah's strengths and expertise.

Meanwhile, it is absolutely paramount for all parties to wait until the official investigation into the shooting incident is complete and made public before making provocative statements, which might escalate matters in the already tense country. Hezbollah has admitted to its responsibility and handed over the suspected shooter to the authorities. A transparent investigation is needed before everyone can move on to tackle the crucial issue of the defence strategy.

It is time for unity in the face of constant threat. And this is what President Sulaiman has to focus on through his dialogue. This will be his big chance to make a difference.