Lebanon's relationship with Hezbollah is complex, with Hezbollah being a significant political and military force within the country while simultaneously operating with a degree of independence from the state.
Here's
a summary of Hezbollah's role in Lebanon:
· Political Participation: Hezbollah
participates in Lebanese elections and holds seats in parliament, drawing
support from its network of social services. As of December 2024, the group
holds two seats in Lebanon's caretaker government. However, according to Reuters, recent developments
have seen Hezbollah and its allies lose their "blocking third" of
cabinet posts that previously allowed them to veto government decisions.
· Military Force: Hezbollah
possesses an armed force considered by some to be equivalent to that of a
medium-sized army. This military strength provides the group with political
leverage and influence over state decisions.
· Parallel Institutions: Hezbollah
operates parallel institutions, including a security apparatus and social
welfare networks, primarily in Shia-majority areas. These institutions foster
dependency and bolster the group's influence.
· Shadow Economy: Hezbollah
has developed a "shadow economy" built on political patronage, which
supports its operations and allows it to maintain influence while avoiding
accountability.
· Disarmament Efforts: Following a ceasefire agreement with Israel, Lebanon's army has been tasked with creating a plan to disarm Hezbollah across the country by the end of 2025. The military, with the help of UN peacekeepers, has already dismantled some of Hezbollah's positions. This decision to disarm Hezbollah comes after intense pressure from the United States following the war with Israel that concluded in 2024.
Recent
Developments (as of August 17, 2025):
· Hezbollah and its ally
Amal still have political influence, holding seats in parliament and appointing
ministers to the cabinet, but they no longer possess the "blocking
third" in the cabinet.
· Public calls for
Hezbollah's disarmament have increased.
· Lebanon's government, under pressure from the U.S., has announced a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
Lebanon's relationship with Hezbollah is complex, with Hezbollah being a significant political and military force within the country, while also being viewed with distrust and opposition by a large portion of the population. Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim political and military group with strong backing from Iran that emerged during Lebanon's civil war to resist Israel's invasion and continued occupation of southern Lebanon. In the past, Hezbollah enjoyed significant cross-sectarian support, especially after the 2006 Lebanon War, where the group's performance against Israeli forces boosted its popularity.
However, this legitimacy has waned. Hezbollah's arms are increasingly viewed by many in Lebanon, particularly among the Sunni and Christian communities, as a threat to national unity and a hindrance to state sovereignty. Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian civil war and the prioritization of Iranian interests over Lebanese ones have further alienated many. The 2020 Beirut port explosion and recent political deadlock have further fueled calls for the group's disarmament.
Recent
polls indicate that while Hezbollah maintains strong support among Shiite
Lebanese, it faces increasing criticism from other communities. For example, an
Arab Barometer poll from early 2024 found that only 30% of Lebanese trust
Hezbollah, compared to 85% among Shiites.
Despite the internal opposition, Hezbollah wields considerable influence within the Lebanese government, holding cabinet positions and seats in parliament. It has also created a shadow economy and social services network in areas it controls, further entrenching its authority.
In
the aftermath of the October 2023 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which
killed thousands in Lebanon, the Lebanese government, under pressure from the
United States, has approved a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
However, Hezbollah has vowed to resist this plan, arguing it serves Israel's
interests and they will not disarm while aggression continues. This has created
a new point of contention between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah,
raising concerns about potential internal instability.
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Hezbollah is one of Iran’s Proxy Terror Group. Lebanon is a Failed State.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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