As Lebanon finds itself once again caught in the throes of conflict, the government faces immense challenges in establishing a lasting peace, particularly in the shadow of Hezbollah. Recent events highlight the complexity of disarming the group, whose roots run deep in the nation’s political and social fabric. With President Joseph Aoun advocating for negotiations, the road to stability remains fraught with obstacles.
A Fragile Ceasefire and Rising Tensions
In August, I had the opportunity to meet President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace, a modernist edifice overlooking Beirut. Aoun, a former army chief, took office following a devastating war involving Israel and Hezbollah, a militia and political entity that receives backing from Iran. At that juncture, Hezbollah appeared weakened and isolated domestically, leading Aoun to assert his ambition to disarm the group. “I was born an optimist,” he remarked, expressing hope for peace.
Despite a temporary ceasefire established in November 2024, tensions continue to escalate. Israeli forces have conducted frequent strikes, targeting individuals and installations purportedly linked to Hezbollah. The conflict has persisted in several regions, and even from my home in eastern Beirut, the sound of Israeli drones is a constant reminder of the precarious situation.
The Challenge of Disarmament
Hezbollah’s supporters perceive the group as a necessary bulwark against Israeli aggression, viewing the nation as an adversary intent on seizing Lebanese territory. Conversely, critics accuse the Shia group of prioritising Iranian interests, dragging Lebanon into unwarranted conflicts. The recent assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a US-Israeli offensive
