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Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
How can we understand Hezbollah's intransigence over its weapons?
The fate of Hezbollah's arms is no longer a domestic dispute between advocates of sovereignty and supporters of the 'resistance.' Since the 2023-2024 war with Israel, this question has been distilling into an existential crisis facing the party. The slogan raised by the leader of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, Mohammed Raad — 'we will die before surrendering the weapons' — reflects his awareness that his camp has no other option but to cling to what remains of its arsenal. Abandoning its arms would break Hezbollah's political and ideological foundations. These actions are not mere reflections of political intransigence. Given its rigid ideology and uncompromising idealism, and because Iran's regional project is in its DNA, Hezbollah is not an agile actor with the capacity to fundamentally change in nature. Moreover, it has built its power around the notion that weapons are an identity, not merely a means to an end. In truth, the Lebanese have never associated Hezbollah with a domestic political or economic project. Its engagement in public affairs has always revolved around the 'resistance' and the imperatives of regional conflicts. Thus, surrendering its arms would entail redefining the party from scratch and sacrificing its raison d'etre. Operating within these restrictive parameters, Hezbollah has dragged its feet. Its bets verge on wishful thinking: that the Lebanese state will remain too weak to follow through on its commitment to disarm the party; that a new episode of regional chaos will destabilize Syria's emerging political authorities; and that the high-level assurances it has received from Tehran's top brass regarding its survival and armament will materialize. Hezbollah has built its power around the notion that weapons are an identity, not merely a means to an end. Nadim Koteich That is, Hezbollah is betting that it will get lucky — or even await miracles. The fate of these matters is totally beyond Hezbollah's control and external factors (that are consistently going against it) will determine how things play out. After years of collapse, Lebanon's state institutions are steadily, albeit slowly, consolidating and enhancing their credibility in the eyes of a broadening segment of the population. This trajectory undermines the slander and vilification of the state that Hezbollah has long used to challenge the state's legitimacy and justify its own existence. As for its wager on vacuums emerging in Syria that will grant it more room for maneuver, current developments point in the opposite direction. The political and military situation in Syria suggests that the weight of open-ended geopolitical conflicts and regional actors is declining, consolidating the new regime in Damascus. Even Iranian support, which constituted the cornerstone of Hezbollah's existence for decades, is increasingly constrained. Tehran is grappling with a severe economic crisis amid volatile shifts in the internal balance of power between the different wings of the regime. Iran is preparing for a new phase, all while trying to put the military and security apparatus (that was battered by deep Israeli strikes during the 12-day war in June) back together. These considerations have compelled Iran to prioritize its military and financial needs over coming to the aid of its allies, foremost among them Hezbollah. All this means the party is fighting for its very survival. However, while turning to politics has offered armed movements elsewhere in the world a lifeline, allowing them to maintain some influence, material conditions have left Hezbollah hostage to its weapons. The group has never pursued a genuine domestic cause that could underpin a shift toward politics. Nadim Koteich The Irish Republican Army, despite being deeply rooted in the conflict with Britain, pursued a clear, localized national cause: unifying Ireland and defending the rights of nationalist Catholics. That is why it managed to survive the shift from armed struggle to a political course that culminated in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which left Sinn Fein in a strong position politically. Colombia's Revolutionary Armed Forces, known as FARC, despite becoming involved in the drug trade and losing some of its legitimacy as result, was nonetheless pursuing a domestic agenda to a social and economic struggle in Colombia. FARC thereby managed to conclude a peace agreement that, despite only being partially implemented, granted it a political foothold. Hezbollah, in contrast, has never pursued a genuine domestic cause that could underpin a shift toward politics. Even its claims of defending Lebanon's sovereignty and confronting occupation were never presented as ultimate, final objectives. These goals were presented as a means to further its regional ambitions. Its ideological link to its axis, as well as its intrinsic role in the regional power struggle, make any fundamental change to its nature nearly impossible. To give up its arms would not be to adjust its strategy; it would be to abandon the reason for its existence. Thus, the party appears bound to keep behaving this way. It will continue to vie to maintain its weapons and transnational function. Even after being put out of action, it will continue to wait for gradual decline. Its intransigence could, in turn, perpetuate the decay of Lebanon's state institutions. If it does so, the country would go from being a political battleground to being home to a failed state, with the Lebanese people paying the price many times over. • Nadim Koteich is the general manager of Sky News Arabia. X: @NadimKoteich
Arab News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
US guarantees key to disarming Hezbollah
The Lebanese government on Thursday made a landmark decision, committing to the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of the year. It approved the 'goals' of US envoy Tom Barrack's paper on 'strengthening' the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The government stated that the army will present an action plan by the end of August. Hezbollah was appalled by the decision. Mohammed Raad, a Hezbollah member of parliament, said that the group would rather die than surrender its arms. He added that the group's arms are its honor. Hezbollah sent protesters to the streets in an attempt to put pressure on the government. However, they were quickly dispersed by the army. Lebanon is required to abide by international law and by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The US is pressuring Lebanon to do so. And it should abide by international law, there is no question about it. However, when it comes to the Israeli side of the equation, Barrack's paper only promises that the US will 'facilitate' mediation with Israel over its withdrawal from the 'five points' inside Lebanon and ceasing hostilities. Barrack was very clear when the Lebanese asked him whether Israel would withdraw and stop its raids on Lebanon if Hezbollah were to disarm: he said that there are no guarantees. Basically, Lebanon should abide by international law, while Israel can go by the law of the jungle. Israel constantly emphasizes its right to 'self-defense,' which is a very elastic concept. Any aggression can be justified as self-defense or a preemptive strike. The Lebanese army has a very difficult task. The Americans are making it even harder. It is an open secret that the US is biased toward Israel for many reasons. However, if the US really wants the Lebanese state and the Lebanese army to succeed in disarming Hezbollah, it should empower them. It should at least show that it is being an honest broker. It should show that it can pressure Israel. It should show that both parties must abide by international law. If the US really wants the Lebanese state and the Lebanese army to succeed in disarming Hezbollah, it should empower them Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib Israel has been living by the law of the jungle since its inception. It has been able to do so because of US and Western complicity. According to advocacy group If Americans Knew, Israel is the target of at least 78 UN resolutions. But Israel violates international law every day under the guise of self-defense and anyone who points a finger at its misdeeds is immediately labeled as antisemitic. The question is: until when? The Lebanese case is only one small example of how Israel receives preferential treatment in international affairs. This preferential treatment is secured by the world's major superpower, the US. However, it reduces the credibility of the US as an honest broker. Maybe the Americans do not care because the world needs them and they can impose their will on whoever they want. However, this attitude creates problems. What if the Lebanese army uses coercion and disarms Hezbollah, which will probably result in internal unrest, and Israel does not withdraw? This would reinforce the group's narrative and give it a new boost. This would revive the idea of resistance. If this idea is revived, then the movement will be revived. However, Israel has the luxury of only looking at its own side of the story because it has the US to back it up whenever needed. The US could make the task of the Lebanese state and army much easier by giving guarantees that Israel would withdraw and cease hostilities. The hostilities are mainly targeting Hezbollah operatives and officials. As long as the US does not give such guarantees, Hezbollah will not feel secure enough to willingly disarm. Israel has the luxury of only looking at its own side of the story because it has the US to back it up whenever needed Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib Hezbollah is convincing its audience that this is an existential issue. This is why Raad said that they would rather die than surrender their arms. The state may have taken the decision to disarm Hezbollah, but this does not mean the implementation will be easy or seamless. The protests that followed the decision could be renewed and could become violent. But all this could be avoided if the US showed that both parties must abide by international law, while guaranteeing that Israel will withdraw and cease hostilities. If not treated carefully, this could lead to a clash between Hezbollah and the army. Of course, Hezbollah is weak now but it still — along with the Amal Movement — represents the majority of the country's Shiite population. Hence, the group cannot be discounted. Of course, a state cannot thrive with the existence of an armed militia. This is a fact. The aim is for Hezbollah to surrender its arms and become a political party. However, for this to happen, the US cannot apply the double standard of Lebanon having to abide by international law while Israel ignores it. This will only boost Hezbollah's narrative and increase the sense of insecurity among the Shiite community. It could lead to clashes between the group and the army, as well as the Shiites and the rest of the Lebanese. Hence, for the sake of peace and stability, the US should act wisely and offer the Lebanese the guarantee that, if Hezbollah disarms, Israel will withdraw and stop targeting Lebanon. • Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib is a specialist in US-Arab relations with a focus on lobbying. She is co-founder of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building, a Lebanese nongovernmental organization focused on Track II.
France 24
25-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Hezbollah hails Iran's 'divine victory' over Israel
In a statement, Hezbollah offered its "most sincere congratulations" to the Islamic republic, praising its "glorious divine victory". The victory, it said, was "manifested in the precise and painful strikes it launched" against Israel, as well as "the lightning response to the American aggression against its nuclear facilities". On Sunday, the United States struck Iranian nuclear facilities following days of Israeli strikes, but a classified intelligence report concluded the attacks had only set back Tehran's nuclear programme by a few months. "This is nothing but the beginning of a new historical phase in confronting American hegemony and Zionist arrogance in the region," Hezbollah said. Hezbollah, which fought a devastating war against Israel last year, expressed its "firm and unwavering support for the Islamic republic, its leadership and people," emphasising that "any surrender, subservience or concession will only increase our enemies' arrogance and dominance over our region". Israel launched a major bombardment of Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13, as well as targeted attacks on top scientists and commanders. The Israeli strikes killed at least 627 civilians and wounded more than 4,800, according to the Iranian health ministry. Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel have killed 28 people, according to Israeli figures. Later Wednesday, hundreds of people rallied outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut, responding to a call from Hezbollah to celebrate "the culmination of the struggle and sacrifices" of the Iranian people "who triumphed over the Israeli-American aggression". Ahmed Mohebbi, 42, who was among the crowd, said: "We are very happy about this victory that Iran achieved, despite the hits it took and attacks by America and Israel to prevent it from continuing its nuclear programme. "Our steadfastness is a victory," he told AFP. The head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc Mohammed Raad said in a speech that Iran was "a regional deterrent force, like it or not." "It proved this with its steadfastness" and by standing up against "a tyrannical enemy who sought to impose its hegemony on the whole region," he said. Iran has backed Hezbollah since the group's founding in the 1980s, providing it with financial and military support. The group was severely weakened in its latest confrontation with Israel, which killed most of its top leadership and destroyed much of its arsenal.
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Lebanon: Hezbollah Displeased with Salam's Stances
Relations between Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Hezbollah were shaken after the PM said in a TV statement this week that he rejected to stay silent over illegitimate arms. The head of Hezbollah's parliamentary committee, Mohammed Raad, who headed a delegation to meet with President Joseph Aoun in Baabda Palace on Monday said: 'I don't want to comment on his (Salam's) statement to preserve what remains of cordiality.' Salam said in a TV interview on Monday night that he 'rejected to stay silent on arms staying out of state control' adding that 'the era of the Iranian revolution's export has come to an end.' Raad's comment, which came in response to a reporter's question, raised questions marks about relations between the Iran-backed party and Salam who, along with the President, has insisted on establishing a state monopoly on the control of arms. But Hezbollah's dissatisfaction goes beyond the issue of arms – the party has resented strict measures taken at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport that have prevented the transfer of cash to it, in addition to the delay in reconstruction following the latest war with Israel. According to political analyst Kassem Kassir, Aoun's stance on dialogue and the rejection of foreign pressure is better than that of the Prime Minister. 'It's obvious that it (Hezbollah) is displeased with the PM, and that his latest comments made things worse,' Kassir told Asharq Al-Awsat. But Raad did not want to snap back at Salam 'to keep channels of communication between the two sides open.' Yet, ministerial sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Salam 'has come with a specific mission to carry out reforms and salvage the country, including limiting weapons to state control, in order to regain the confidence of the Lebanese people and the world, and attract investments and assistance that would not materialize' in the presence of such arms. Asked about ties between Hezbollah and Salam, the sources denied that relations have taken a turn for the worse. 'Yet, there is non-permanent communication between Salam and the party.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Israel Intensifies Attacks against Hezbollah Field Commanders in Lebanon
Six people were killed in Lebanon in the past two days in Israeli strikes against Hezbollah members. Lebanon's state news agency said an Israeli drone strike in the country's south hit a car, killing two people on Thursday afternoon in the village of Baraachit. The National News Agency gave no further details and it was not immediately clear if the two killed were members of Hezbollah. Israel's military said the strike targeted two members of the party. Israel had earlier in the day fired artillery at Baraachit. Also on Thursday, the Israeli army said it targeted Hezbollah members as they were transferring weapons in the Yohmor area in the South. The NNA said one person was killed overnight on Thursday in an Israeli drone strike on a car in the town of Maaroub in the Tyre region. Meanwhile, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc MP Mohammed Raad said the party's priority at the moment 'lies in ending the Israeli occupation, kicking off reconstruction, consolidating sovereignty, achieving the desired reform, and ensuring national partnership.' 'The resistance in Lebanon has and will always be the resistance against occupation and injustice, and against invaders and violators,' he declared. 'The resistance has made major achievements (...) and repelled Israel's world war against Lebanon in 2006 and defeated it,' he added. The 'support front' Hezbollah had launched in solidarity with Gaza on October 8, 2023, 'was a preemptive move aimed at protecting Lebanon, the resistance and its people,' he went on to say. Moreover, Raad said Hezbollah has been firmly committed to the ceasefire since it went into effect in November 'even though it knew that the enemy will not respect it and despite its violations that have been ongoing since day one.' Furthermore, he stressed that the 'resistance was never an alternative to the state in assuming responsibility. Rather, it aided it in protecting Lebanon and forcing the enemy to withdraw' from occupied territories. The resistance also helped the state 'preserve national sovereignty and dignity,' he added. Now, the new government is prioritizing reform, 'and we will help it in achieving that,' remarked Raad.
