Gulf between Hezbollah and Lebanese state grows wider as Israeli occupation continues
People in south of country rely on group’s longstanding social welfare system that cash-strapped state fails to provide
TL;DR
- Fatima al-Ashkar and her children are supported by Hezbollah's martyr foundation after her husband's death fighting Israel.
- Hezbollah's social support system provides housing, stipends, school fees, and healthcare, which the Lebanese state fails to offer.
- Many residents in south Lebanon turn to Hezbollah due to lack of state alternatives and belief in the group.
- The Lebanese state struggles to rebuild trust, especially among Hezbollah supporters, due to ongoing Israeli occupation and attacks.
- Hezbollah's supporters blame the government for negotiating with Israel, while opponents blame Hezbollah for provoking conflict.
- The Lebanese army is taking charge of reconstruction in "pilot zones" to make the state visible and ensure infrastructure isn't used for military purposes.
- The state's narrative is undermined by Israeli shelling and its inability to respond, further diminishing its legitimacy.
- Displaced residents like Tia Abdalah receive aid from Hezbollah and its affiliates, not from the state.
- Lebanese officials believe state legitimacy will collapse without Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon.