Lebanese Shiite Majority Favors State Control of Hezbollah Arms, Poll Finds
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
A new poll shows 66.4% of Lebanese Shiites favor transferring Hezbollah's weapons to the state, while 29.6% prefer the current situation. The survey, conducted in September by Statistics Lebanon among 800 Shiites, also found that 42.1% expressed dissatisfaction with Hezbollah's war conduct, though 59.5% still trust the organization. Property owners in Tyre are opposing Hezbollah-linked financial branches due to fears of Israeli strikes. Hezbollah is offering financial aid to families affected by the conflict.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 66.4% of Lebanese Shiites support transferring Hezbollah's weapons to the state, a new poll reveals.
- 42.1% of Shiites expressed disappointment or anger over Hezbollah's conduct in the war.
- 59.5% of Shiites surveyed still indicated some level of trust in Hezbollah.
- Property owners in Tyre oppose Hezbollah financial branches fearing Israeli attacks.
- Hezbollah is providing financial aid to families whose homes were destroyed.
- The poll was conducted in September by Statistics Lebanon among 800 Shiites.
A new poll conducted in Lebanon reveals that a significant majority of the Shiite community, 66.4%, supports transferring Hezbollah's weaponry to the Lebanese state. Only 29.6% of respondents preferred the current arrangement where the arms remain with the organization. The survey, carried out in September by Statistics Lebanon, polled 800 Shiite individuals aged 18 and over.
While the support for state control of weapons is widespread, opinions diverge on the specifics of implementation, indicating that the results should not be interpreted as a call for immediate disarmament. Nevertheless, the findings point to considerable criticism of the organization's leadership, with 42.1% expressing disappointment, anger, or concern regarding Hezbollah's conduct in the ongoing conflict and its ramifications.
Despite these criticisms, the overall picture is complex, as 59.5% of respondents still expressed some level of trust in Hezbollah. For many Shiites, the organization serves not only as a military force but also as a vital source of livelihood, aid, and social security in a community historically marginalized within Lebanon.
The fear of war-related damage is also impacting daily life. In the city of Tyre, property owners have reportedly opposed the opening of a branch of "Al-Qard Al-Hasan," a financial institution associated with Hezbollah, in their buildings. The concern is that such a branch could become a target for Israeli strikes, endangering lives and property.
The organization is attempting to maintain public support through aid programs, including a recent announcement of grants of up to $14,000 for families in Beirut and its suburbs whose homes were destroyed, and up to $12,000 in other areas, to assist with rent and furnishings.
