Disarmament negotiations in Lebanon are intensifying as the Iran-supported group prepares for a crucial local vote in southern Lebanon. The elections follow the war with Israel last year, which destroyed towns and severely damaged leadership and weaponry in Hezbollah.
Now, Hezbollah is attempting to demonstrate that it still enjoys support in its Shia strongholds, as the government pushes to seize complete control of all weapons and foreign donors withhold crucial reconstruction aid.
The group is still a strong force in spite of the harm and setbacks, holding onto its base of support despite increasing calls for disarmament.
War-Ravaged South Turns to the Ballot
For Hezbollah, Saturday’s elections are crucial. Southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh and Adaisseh, has been devastated by Israeli airstrikes. Campaign posters continue to call on voters to back Hezbollah in spite of the damage.
With his village in ruins, 21-year-old Ali Tabaja intends to cast his ballot in Nabatieh. He declares, “It’s a desert.” Hezbollah’s continued hold on its core supporters is reflected in his defiant statement, “We will vote with blood.”
Early Victories, but Stiff Headwinds
Hezbollah has already won races that were not contested. It has an uphill battle ahead of it, though. The state now aims for complete control over all weapons, a crucial clause in the ceasefire with Israel mediated by the United States, after its leadership suffered significant losses.
Youssef Raji, the foreign minister, made it clear that aid and disarmament would not coexist. Critics of Hezbollah contend that the organization unilaterally draws Lebanon into war.
Reconstruction Tied to Disarmament
Whole neighborhoods were destroyed in the war. However, the government’s reconstruction efforts have not advanced much. Hezbollah accuses the government. The government cites tight budgets and blocked Iranian funds.
According to the World Bank, rebuilding Lebanon will cost $11 billion. However, foreign donors demand disarmament and economic reform. Aid won’t arrive unless Israel stops its strikes and Beirut takes swift action, a French diplomat warned.
Hezbollah Defiant, Community Divided
According to Hezbollah, its weapons are no longer in the south. However, it won’t talk about complete disarmament until Israel stops attacking and leaves five southern positions.
Israel responds that Hezbollah violates the terms of the ceasefire by continuing to possess rockets and combat posts. Khalil Tarhini, a 71-year-old shopkeeper in Nabatieh, believes there is no reason to cast a ballot. His shop is in ruins. He regrets, “The state did not stand by us.”
A Fractured Lebanon, an Uncertain Future
Aid from the Gulf and Iran flooded into Lebanon during the 2006 war. Money is tight this time. US sanctions cause Iran to struggle. Formerly giving Gulf states now denounce Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah MP, accuses the government of delaying aid. He queries, “How can one region of the country be stable while another is suffering?”
This vote will put more than just Hezbollah’s hold on the south to the test. It will reveal Lebanon’s profound divisions and decide whether the electorate or the military will govern the country in the future.