Hezbollah, Lebanon’s Iran-backed militant group, remains adamantly against disarming as Israeli forces expand their attack into all of Lebanon with ground attacks and airstrikes. The Israeli government continues to claim that all these military actions are absolutely necessary. They hope to prevent Hezbollah from rearming after taking the death of numerous high-ranking leaders and numerous weapons caches last year at strikes. Even though a ceasefire exists on paper between Israel and Lebanon, the peace is fragile, and not many recognize it.
The conflict is complicated, a history that reaches back to 1948. It was when Israel and Lebanon first dove into war. Even with occasional negotiations to stop the fighting and restore normal diplomatic relations, violence continues to flare. The Lebanese government faces significant challenges in dealing with Hezbollah, which many see as a protector of the Shia community, despite not all Shia supporting the group’s actions.
The Ongoing Conflict
Israeli strikes have apparently killed at least 127 of those civilians since the ceasefire began. Tragically, this covers 11 youngsters killed in a Palestinian refugee camp south of Sidon. These civilian casualties—notably the deaths of four UN peacekeepers—have fanned fears among Lebanese citizens about their security and the legitimacy of Israeli attacks. The development further strains an already tenuous relationship between the two countries and increases public pressure on the Lebanese state.
Frederic Khair, the leading authority on Middle Eastern affairs, doubled down on the challenge for the Lebanese government. He cautioned that militarily disarming Hezbollah could ignite greater violence. Like, “Hezbollah, they have been resisting since 1948 and will never stop.” This proclamation highlights the movement’s profound communal foundations among Lebanese society.
Most of the people I met from southern Lebanon genuinely want peace, but they seem to have a clear-eyed understanding of their dire circumstances. Local resident Abbas Yousef Ali beamed, “The situation is good now. Yet, he admitted attacks by Israel are a constant threat. Very much so,” he said, before pivoting to explain that while the military missions had changed, today, civilians were being targeted.
Hezbollah’s Position
Hezbollah has repeatedly claimed that its weapons are necessary for self-defense from Israeli attacks. Mehdi Mustafa, a spokesperson for the organization, had an even bolder claim. He said, “If Israel persists in bombing Lebanon and the state does not react, we’ll be forced to keep our arms for self-defense.” This anti-imperial narrative found much resonance among Shia public who see Hezbollah as their defender.
Despite this support, there are growing calls for disarmament and adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that only the Lebanese army should possess weapons. Mahmoud Shaieb, a vocal critic of Hezbollah, is among those who actively oppose the group’s actions. He went so far as to primary them in local elections. But now, he said, “We [the Shia] have called for ‘stop right there.’ This marks a huge turnaround in public opinion as citizens flee from blindly supporting Hezbollah out of fear.
Shaieb to think back on his own fight with Hezbollah’s militia He said, “I was a victim of three assassination attempts obstacles,” underscoring the risks faced by those who stand against the radical organization. His experiences and those of their peers paint a perilous picture for political dissent in Lebanon.
The Path Forward
How the Lebanese government should act towards the Shiite militant political party Hezbollah is a highly divisive debate within Lebanon. According to some analysts, the expulsion of Israeli military forces from southern Lebanon and oversight of Israel’s compliance with the ceasefire agreements are essential. “The Lebanese state should expel Israel from the south, ensure the ceasefire is implemented, and put an end to Israeli violations against Lebanon,” emphasized Mustafa.
Getting there means overcoming daunting internal dynamics. Most community members articulate an ambivalent wish for peace, order, and security. Dalal, a local Palestinian resident, explained her fear of having to leave her home due to Israeli intimidation. She agreed with Barry on the difficulty of getting resettled somewhere new. “Moving out of your house and living in a place you’ve never lived before is incredibly challenging,” she added.
Despite ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon—which have taken place on and off since the conflict concluded—both sides appear firmly dug in. Shosh Bedrosian, an Israeli representative, stated unequivocally, “Israel will continue to defend itself and Hezbollah is required to disarm,” highlighting the stark differences in perspective that fuel ongoing tensions.
