Hezbollah Faces Internal Criticism After Losing Strategic Site to IDF

Hezbollah is facing significant internal criticism following the Israeli military's capture of the strategic Ali al-Taher mountain ridge in southern Lebanon. The organization has refrained from directly addressing the loss of the site, instead attempting to project strength through actions such as launching explosive drones towards Israeli forces. This silence has amplified embarrassment within the group, particularly as Lebanese political figures question the effectiveness of Hezbollah's arsenal.

Reports suggest that Iran granted Hezbollah approval to withdraw from the Ali al-Taher ridge, a move that surprised many in Lebanon. A source familiar with negotiations indicated that Iran's threat to intervene militarily to defend the ridge did not materialize into concrete action. The decision to withdraw, rather than hand the site over to the Lebanese army, has drawn sharp criticism.

Lebanese Sunni parliament member Fouad Makhzoumi directly attacked Hezbollah's conduct, accusing the organization of causing southern Lebanese residents to bear the cost of the conflict. He questioned the purpose of Hezbollah's weapons if they failed to prevent Israeli control of the territory, stating, "What did Hezbollah's weapons achieve? It prevented the army from entering its own land, but failed to prevent its occupation by Israel."

Makhzoumi further criticized Hezbollah's control over weaponry and decision-making, arguing that it comes at the expense of Lebanese citizens losing their land and their future. He specifically highlighted the suffering of Shiite residents in southern Lebanon, who are paying the price with their homes, livelihoods, and children's futures.