Chadi Hileneh, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Hezbollah and Israel: Partners in Disrespecting Lebanon’s Sovereignty

Powerless weapons, ongoing chaos...

Internally, tensions in Lebanon continue to mount. Supporters of Hezbollah have launched an aggressive political and media campaign against the Lebanese state, particularly on the platform X (formerly Twitter), mocking state institutions and labeling them as part of a "powerless diplomacy".

In contrast, President Joseph Aoun continues to adopt a posture of restraint, emphasizing the need to preserve national stability. He reaffirmed that the decision to consolidate all arms under state authority has already been made and is being implemented with "calm and responsibility".

Hezbollah leadership appears aligned with the narrative of its supporters. Party officials argue that the current government lacks the capability to safeguard Lebanon. In public statements and speeches, they have underscored what they see as the state's institutional paralysis in the face of external threats.

A veteran political observer, speaking to the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency, offered a critical perspective on the situation. "Hezbollah’s weapons have not succeeded in protecting Lebanon. Nor have the ideological tenets of the resistance", he said. "Even the long-touted equation of deterrence has proven ineffective over the past two decades, especially during the most recent conflict".

According to the observer, Hezbollah has repeatedly entangled Lebanon in regional confrontations that many Lebanese do not support. "The party has demonstrated, like Israel, a lack of respect for the Lebanese state. By undermining national sovereignty, it has sent a clear message that its allegiance lies elsewhere".

"The same individuals who deride what they call 'powerless diplomacy' are themselves the custodians of an ineffective arsenal and ongoing disorder", he added. "What strength are they referring to? What protection do they claim to provide? Their so-called sacred weapons failed even to safeguard their leader, Hassan Nasrallah, how can they protect an entire nation?"

Despite these criticisms, Hezbollah continues to raise the stakes. In his recent speech, Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that "the era of concessions is over". He vowed that the resistance, along with its supporters and its military arm, "will not retreat an inch", warning that any form of retreat or compromise under the pretext of avoiding war would constitute "political and strategic suicide".

As Hezbollah reaffirms its hardline stance, Lebanon finds itself once again on a precarious path, with growing fears that political rhetoric may evolve into broader instability on the ground.