Hezbollah Tries to Shore Up Shia Support as Lebanese Political Fight Intensifies
Hezbollah is stepping up its criticism of President Joseph Aoun as it sees signs that some in Lebanon’s Shia community are increasingly backing his push for exclusive state control of weapons and for political negotiations. According to the report, the group is trying to stop erosion in its support base by portraying Aoun’s policy not simply as an effort to curb Hezbollah’s military power, but as an attack on the Shia community’s political standing.
The organization is also seeking to re-legitimize keeping its arsenal by emphasizing what it calls the “legitimate right to resist occupation.” It wants to закреп the argument that even if a ceasefire is reached, Israel’s continued presence on Lebanese territory would justify the استمرار of the “resistance” and preservation of its military capabilities. A man who presented himself as a Hezbollah fighter told Lebanese media that the fighting was meant to protect Lebanon, while critics among civilians and displaced people blamed the group for the country’s suffering and destruction.
Hezbollah later issued an unusual denial, saying the interviewee did not belong to its ranks and that the interview had not been coordinated with it. The response reflected the group’s sensitivity to how it is portrayed in the media at a time when public debate in Lebanon is sharpening over its role, its weapons, and the cost of the war to the state, according to the Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center.
On the other side, Hezbollah opponents are trying to frame talks with Israel as a strategic opening to strengthen the Lebanese state, secure exclusive authority for its institutions over security and policy, and reduce the influence of Hezbollah and Iran. The Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb backed Aoun and Prime Minister Salam, while calling for full implementation of the principle of state monopoly over arms. Lebanese Forces official George Adwan said decisions on war and peace taken outside state institutions undermine sovereignty. Justice Minister Adel Nassar said Hezbollah acts on Iranian instructions and is harming Lebanon’s talks with Israel, implying that Tehran is using Lebanon as leverage in its dealings with Washington. Kataeb MP Nadeem Gemayel called Hezbollah an Iranian proxy operating outside the state, and urged tighter control on the Syrian border, a stronger army, and the dismantling of the group’s influence inside state institutions.
