Lebanese Citizens Condemn Hezbollah for Devastation Amid Internal State Conflict

Amid escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Lebanese state institutions, Lebanese citizens from various communities have openly criticized the militant group for causing widespread destruction and hardship in the country. Speaking exclusively to N12, residents described Hezbollah as a "cancer" that has taken over Lebanon, ruined the economy, and destroyed their futures. A Christian man from southern Lebanon said Hezbollah brought disaster and a heavy price on the population, while a Shia woman from the Bekaa Valley called for the complete elimination of Hezbollah, urging people to awaken from their passivity.

The criticism of Hezbollah is increasingly visible in Lebanese media and public discourse, reflecting deep divisions within the country. Lebanese journalist Sabine Youssef noted Hezbollah's shift from a commando unit to a defensive online force, while Shia activist Zeinab Saad emphasized her loyalty to Lebanon over Iran and lamented Hezbollah's influence.

This internal conflict has intensified following a handshake between Lebanese President Michel Aoun and U.S. President Donald Trump, which reignited tensions. Concurrently, a pilot program began in southern Lebanon where the Lebanese army replaced the Israeli Defense Forces in certain areas. However, many Lebanese remain skeptical about the army's ability to operate independently, citing Hezbollah's continued dominance and the army's reliance on foreign assistance.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, maintains a defiant stance. MP Hussein al-Hajj Hassan warned against disarmament, accusing the government of provoking civil war and asserting that Hezbollah will not relinquish its weapons. Despite the challenges, some Lebanese express cautious optimism that normalization and progress may eventually occur as people recognize the benefits of stability and improved living conditions.

Summary: Lebanese citizens from diverse backgrounds openly blame Hezbollah for Lebanon's economic and social collapse amid rising tensions with state institutions. While a Lebanese army pilot replaces Israeli forces in the south, skepticism about its effectiveness persists. Hezbollah rejects disarmament demands, warning of civil conflict, even as some Lebanese hope for future normalization and recovery.