Hezbollah, a once-untouchable group in Lebanon, is facing its most uncertain footing in years after a stinging defeat in war against Israel. The militant organization has long been more powerful than the country’s national military and controlled key government agencies and critical infrastructure.
However, 14 months of fighting has left Hezbollah battered, with rebels toppling its main ally in Syria and Iran weakening as it faces escalating tensions with Israel. Analysts say one thing is clear: the era of Hezbollah’s unshakable dominance in Lebanon appears to be over.
The shift was evident during Lebanon’s Parliament election on Thursday, which saw Gen. Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese military, elected as president. This was a crucial step toward bringing stability to the country and a concession by Hezbollah, according to some analysts. The election marked a new political reality in Lebanon, with many seeing it as a necessary move to address years of political gridlock.
Hezbollah has outmaneuvered its domestic foes and struck strategic alliances to cement its position for decades. However, over the past three months, the group has been dealt devastating blows. Its war with Israel destroyed large chunks of its arsenal and left Lebanon with a multibillion-dollar bill for reconstruction. The group’s promise to defend Lebanon from Israel also shattered.
The outcome of this new chapter in Lebanese politics is uncertain, but experts agree that Hezbollah remains a dominant force, albeit in a weakened state. The country’s political dysfunction and infighting have contributed to the group’s continued influence, despite its diminished power. The coming months will be crucial for determining Hezbollah’s future role in Lebanon.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/10/world/middleeast/lebanon-hezbollah-politics.html