Hezbollah Fails to Mobilize Protesters Over Israel-Lebanon Agreement, Revealing Shia Faction Divisions

Following the recent framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, Hezbollah supporters attempted to stage protests in Beirut but managed to gather only a few dozen demonstrators. Earlier, dozens of motorcyclists tried to block the airport road, but the Lebanese army quickly reopened it. Analysts suggest Hezbollah's protests failed largely due to a lack of support from the Amal Movement, led by Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key Shia faction.

According to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, significant differences exist between Amal and Hezbollah, particularly regarding their responses to the agreement's impact on Lebanon's internal situation. Lebanese MP Ibrahim Mneimneh told the paper there is an unspoken gap between the two groups in handling the current phase. He noted Amal, under Berri, prefers working through official institutions rather than street mobilization, marking a consistent distinction from Hezbollah's approach.

Mneimneh explained that Berri has conveyed messages reflecting this divergence through his handling of various political issues and relationships with other actors. He emphasized that Berri recognizes the international reality that Lebanon's progress depends on state institutions. Mneimneh also said Hezbollah understands that public willingness to protest has diminished, as many no longer want to be drawn into Iran's regional conflicts, even among Hezbollah's own supporters.

He added that Lebanese citizens have endured difficult experiences and are beginning to critically reassess recent events. Despite Hezbollah's attempts to ignore this shift, a segment of the population now holds views differing from the organization's stance. The failure to mobilize mass protests highlights growing fractures within Lebanon's Shia political axis.