Lebanon’s Internal Struggles: Hezbollah, Israel, and the Absence of Real Leadership

As Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah escalates, the people of Lebanon are left in a precarious position. Netanyahu’s recent video address, calling on the Lebanese people to rise against Hezbollah, was largely ignored or dismissed in Beirut. But this response is not just a rejection of Israel — it is a reflection of Lebanon’s internal struggles and the absence of strong, independent leadership.

In the Christian neighborhood of Achrafieh, Antoine, a retiree, pointed out the crux of the issue: “We don’t have politicians who can be truly Lebanese.” This sentiment reflects the deeper problem in Lebanon — an entrenched political system that is heavily influenced by external powers, whether Iran through Hezbollah, or Israel through its ongoing military actions.

For many, Netanyahu’s call was futile not because of any affinity for Hezbollah, but because Lebanon itself lacks the political cohesion to respond. Hezbollah, as both a political and military force, fills the vacuum left by the Lebanese state’s failures. In Shia communities like Mar Elias, Hezbollah is viewed not just as a militia but as a legitimate defender of Lebanon’s sovereignty against Israel.

Ultimately, the problem for Lebanon is one of governance. Until Lebanon can assert itself as a sovereign state, free from the influence of both Israel and Iran, Netanyahu’s calls will continue to fall on deaf ears.