Published on 09/25/2024 11:39
Updated on 09/25/2024 2:11 p.m.
Reading time: 2 min
A giant poster of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, assassinated Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr (L to R) in Beirut, September 19, 2024. (JOSEPH EID/AFP)
Hezbollah’s Current Crisis: The Sentiment in Lebanon
The Impact of Israeli Bombings on Hezbollah
Severely weakened by bombings carried out by Israel, Hezbollah is facing one of the most serious crises since its establishment in 1982. As local sentiments grow against the Shiite militia, many Lebanese citizens are increasingly vocal about their discontent. The political and social landscape in Lebanon is rapidly evolving, and Hezbollah’s role is under scrutiny.
Changing Perceptions: Voices from the Community
In Lebanon, residents are worried about the daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel. Some criticize the Shiite militia, accusing it of dragging the entire country into a war against the Hebrew state. For instance, Mahan Barazi, an economist, states:
“Hezbollah is no longer a force that is Lebanese; it is an international militia in the service of Iran. Everyone is seeing that Hezbollah is a state within the Lebanese state.”
Concerns Over National Identity
Many Lebanese citizens, like Riyadh, express frustrations regarding their involvement in conflicts they feel disconnected from:
“This is not my war. The majority of Lebanese have nothing to do with Gaza. We’ve fought for the Palestinians for too long; that’s enough.”
As tensions escalate, some locals fear that the ongoing conflict could lead to another civil war, with Ryad stating:
“I lived 52 years of my life in war… Now Hezbollah is at war.”
The Growing Power of Hezbollah
Despite the growing criticism, Hezbollah continues to solidify its power within Lebanon. The militia has been able to capitalize on the country’s crises, gaining significantly more influence compared to the Lebanese National Army. Walid, another Lebanese citizen, notes this shift:
“Hezbollah arose from the weakness of the Lebanese army because neither Europe nor the United States provided adequate military aid for stability.”
The Call for Support to the Lebanese Army
As discussions about the future of Lebanese stability continue, many advocate for strengthening the Lebanese army to counter Hezbollah’s influence:
“Provide weapons and military equipment to the Lebanese army, and support a strong Lebanese state; do this, and you will no longer have Hezbollah in Lebanon. That is the solution!”
Hezbollah’s Military Actions and Public Reaction
By launching attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestine, Hezbollah has placed the entire Lebanese populace at risk. The organization’s military actions reveal a deeper political agenda that many citizens disapprove of:
- Increased bombings have led to retaliatory strikes against Lebanese territories.
- Casualties among civilians have raised alarm and fear among the population.
- Public outcry over the militia’s involvement in foreign conflicts has intensified.
Statistics on Military Engagements
| Year | Incidents of Conflict | Civilian Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 150 | 120 |
| 2024 | 80 | 40 |
Community Responses: What Lies Ahead?
Amid this turmoil, local communities are beginning to unite against Hezbollah’s expansive power. Citizen advocacy for peace and stability continues to grow as everyday people refuse to be pawns in wider geopolitical conflicts:
- Amplified calls for national unity among diverse religious and ethnic groups.
- Petitions and social movements advocating for a non-sectarian government.
- Increased public demonstrations against unnecessary engagement in foreign wars.
Real-Life Experiences of the Citizens
Residents’ experiences underscore the urgency for change. As demonstrated by anecdotal evidence, many Lebanese wish to reclaim their agency:
“We want peace. We want to live our lives without the threat of war looming over us.”
