Hezbollah’s Stronghold: Why Netanyahu’s Message Falls on Deaf Ears in Beirut
For decades, Hezbollah has positioned itself as a defender of Lebanon, particularly among the Shia community. In Beirut, this influence is palpable. From neighborhoods like Mar Elias, where Shia support is strong, to mixed communities, Hezbollah’s presence is seen as a bulwark against Israeli aggression and foreign domination.
Netanyahu’s recent plea to the Lebanese people to turn against Hezbollah was largely ignored or dismissed in these areas. Hezbollah’s stronghold is not just military; it is deeply ingrained in Lebanon’s political, social, and economic landscape. Shia residents like Fany Sharara see Hezbollah as the only entity standing between Lebanon and complete destruction, in contrast to Netanyahu, who they perceive as an external aggressor with no stake in the well-being of the Lebanese people.
Hezbollah's fighters, whose rockets signal the group’s ongoing resistance against Israel, are viewed as local heroes. The destruction of homes, as voiced by residents like Fadi Ali Kiryani, is a small price to pay compared to the perceived existential threat posed by Israel.
This loyalty is not limited to ideology alone but is also rooted in the stark reality that Hezbollah, unlike the Lebanese government, provides critical services and support to many communities. As long as Hezbollah is seen as a protector of Lebanon against Israeli aggression, Netanyahu’s words will have little resonance.
Netanyahu’s recent plea to the Lebanese people to turn against Hezbollah was largely ignored or dismissed in these areas. Hezbollah’s stronghold is not just military; it is deeply ingrained in Lebanon’s political, social, and economic landscape. Shia residents like Fany Sharara see Hezbollah as the only entity standing between Lebanon and complete destruction, in contrast to Netanyahu, who they perceive as an external aggressor with no stake in the well-being of the Lebanese people.
Hezbollah's fighters, whose rockets signal the group’s ongoing resistance against Israel, are viewed as local heroes. The destruction of homes, as voiced by residents like Fadi Ali Kiryani, is a small price to pay compared to the perceived existential threat posed by Israel.
This loyalty is not limited to ideology alone but is also rooted in the stark reality that Hezbollah, unlike the Lebanese government, provides critical services and support to many communities. As long as Hezbollah is seen as a protector of Lebanon against Israeli aggression, Netanyahu’s words will have little resonance.
Comments
Post a Comment