Beirut (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lebanon faces protests as the government moves to disarm Hezbollah, raising fears of civil unrest and deepening political instability.
As reported by The Telegraph, Beirut sees protesters waving yellow and green flags, with passing vehicles joining in solidarity. Demonstrators also chant in tribute to a militant killed by Israel last year.
Pro-Hezbollah protests have swept Lebanon following Nasrallah’s assassination in September 2024. Lebanese citizens rally nationwide against plan to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah by year’s end.
Naim Qassem’s views on keeping weapons against Israel
Hezbollah’s new chief, Naim Qassem, vowed to keep arms, insisting weapons are needed to defend against Israel.
He added,
“The resistance will not surrender its weapons while aggression continues, occupation persists, and we will fight it… If necessary to confront this American-Israeli project, no matter the cost.”
What stance did Lebanon take on Hezbollah amid Israel-Iran tensions?
The Lebanese government stood firm, with President Joseph Aoun warning a senior Iranian official, “No party, without exception, is permitted to carry weapons and seek foreign support,” indirectly targeting Hezbollah.
The ability of Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah remains uncertain. The tense situation poses a major challenge to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has taken robust action after the October 7 strike to curb Iran-linked threats.
Holly Dagres’ views on Israel’s stance on Tehran
Holly Dagres, an Iran expert and fellow at the Washington Institute, stated,
“Israel isn’t willing to tolerate Tehran or its proxies any longer, and events of the past year demonstrate that.”
She said,
“Tehran isn’t about to give up on rebuilding its crown jewel proxy, Hezbollah. But without its land bridge through Syria, that’s going to be a lot harder.”
Ms Dagres added,
“Still, as long as the group exists, Iran will keep supporting it – whether materially or financially – because it hasn’t abandoned its mosaic defence strategy.”
How has Iran responded to Israel’s strikes and support for Hezbollah?
Israel’s sudden strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear sites on June 13 sparked a 12-day war. The operations disrupted Tehran’s “axis of resistance,” including Hezbollah, and delayed its nuclear ambitions.
Iran is reasserting its influence and continuing support for Hezbollah, as national security chief Ali Larijani meets Lebanese and Hezbollah leaders this week.
Tehran’s support for Hezbollah continues in part, with a key Syrian route blocked, yet the regime will keep acting to aid the group. Its decentralised network of assets, proxies, and influence complicates efforts to curb its regional power.
What did Lebanese citizens say about Hezbollah’s weapons protecting Lebanon?
Zainab, a Lebanese woman whose relatives have died in Israeli attacks, stated,
“There is no doubt that there is no one – not even the Lebanese army – who can protect Lebanon more than the weapons of Hezbollah.”
She added,
“Lebanon will face a lot of chaos if this happens; the roads will be filled with enraged people. If there is no national unity, the country could face division and instability.”
Carl Khoury, manager at an e-commerce company, said,
“There is no guarantee for Israel not to try to invade if they disarm, but there was never such a guarantee to begin with.”
He stated,
“If Israel is planning to take over Lebanon, they [will] plan years ahead and execute their strategy step by step. If they already have a plan, nothing will stop them.”
Bashir Bitar, 40, a lawyer, said,
“The last Lebanese-Israeli war proved that Hezbollah’s weapons are not a true deterrent to Israel, given the advanced capabilities that Israel possesses, and the support that it receives from the United States.”
He added,
“There is no army strong enough to protect Lebanon against Israel, whose intelligence and military capabilities are far superior.”
Israeli military’s stance on its operations in Lebanon
The Israeli forces stated that
“since the ceasefire, over 240 terrorists have been eliminated and approximately 600 airstrikes have been carried out.”
Eyal Zamir, chief of the general staff of the Israeli military, added,
“We are on the front line, we are striking proactively, and we are constantly thwarting threats. Our proactive approach and initiative are central to our mission.”
Lebanese MPs’ views on Hezbollah’s weapons and influence
Lebanese MPs criticized Hezbollah, claiming its leader, Qassem, ignores the country’s best interests.
Adib Abdel Massih, a Lebanese MP, stated,
“Threats and intimidation under the banner of weapons does not build a nation or protect stability.”
He added,
“Lebanon is not run with the logic of [you’re] either with us or in ruin, but through partnership and respect for the state and the law.”
What did Dr Hassan Wazni say about Lebanon’s need for unity?
Dr Hassan Wazni, chairman of Nabatieh Governmental Hospital, treating those hurt in Israeli strikes, added,
“What Lebanon needs is unity and joint dialogue in order to prevent it from sliding into an armed conflict.”
How Lebanon struggles to enforce Hezbollah disarmament amid Israel-Iran tensions?
Hezbollah remains Lebanon’s sole armed faction since the 1975–1990 civil war, insisting its weapons are essential for resisting Israel.
Implementing the US-supported disarmament plan approved by the Lebanese cabinet is a difficult task, as Hezbollah’s presence ties the country to the Israel-Iran conflict.
Failing to enforce the plan may trigger further Israeli incursions, yet could also spark civil war in Lebanon.
The new Lebanese government faces tough choices, trying to unify and rebuild after years of political and economic turmoil. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire in November, Israel’s continued strikes on Hezbollah cast doubt on its commitment.
Lebanon must disarm Hezbollah to unlock aid and rebuild war-damaged infrastructure. Clearing Hezbollah’s arms stocks poses risks, highlighted by a recent Tyre blast that killed six Lebanese soldiers.
What did US envoy Tom Barrack say about Israel’s Lebanon ceasefire?
US envoy Tom Barrack urged Israel to uphold the ceasefire with Hezbollah after Lebanon began disarming the militant group.
He said,
“I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply.”
Mr Barrack said Washington was “in the process of now discussing with Israel what their position is”, adding that “in the next few weeks you’re going to see progress on all sides.”
He added,
“It means a better life for the people… and at least the beginning of a roadway to a different kind of dialogue.”