Lebanon today stands paralyzed, held hostage by a terrorist organization that has entrenched itself into the country’s political and social fabric.
The country was not always besieged by extremism and foreign interference. In the 1970s, Beirut was hailed as the “Paris of the Middle East,” a thriving hub of culture, literature and intellectualism, home to the Arab world’s most prestigious publishing houses. Christians, Muslims and Druze lived harmoniously, embracing the country’s rich diversity. However, the civil war that erupted in 1975 shattered this unity, allowing Hezbollah to capitalize on the devastation and emerge from the ruins.
Initially seen as a force of resistance, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has morphed into a powerful state within a state, effectively hijacking Lebanon’s fragile democracy. Its rise led to the collapse of Lebanon’s confessional political system, created in 1943 to balance power by allocating top political positions and seats in parliament by religious community. This confessional system of government instead became Hezbollah’s tool of exploitation.
By securing the support of the Shi’ite community, Hezbollah dominates Lebanon’s politics, suffocating hopes for reform and stifling the voices of its people.
Today, the Lebanese people find themselves yearning for the vibrant Lebanon of the past—a country celebrated for creativity, freedom and peace. They deserve more than a corrupt and stagnant system; they deserve a Lebanon where intellectual and artistic brilliance can flourish, and where future generations can dream of a better life free from sectarian strife.
Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds are a direct response to the group’s provocations as it continues to launch rockets and missiles and amass weapons. These actions address Hezbollah’s destabilizing role, as its military presence not only threatens regional stability but also obstructs the emergence of a truly representative government within Lebanon.
As long as Hezbollah retains its weapons, it will continue to strangle Lebanon’s political life, hindering any possibility for genuine governance.
Without its weapons, Hezbollah’s political power would wane, creating space for democratic governance. Lebanon must break free from the shackles of its confessional system. A new political framework anchored in a new constitution, one grounded in civic values rather than religious identity, is essential.
The Lebanese diaspora holds immense potential to drive this transformation. Their economic and political influence, coupled with their ability to mobilize international support, could be the catalyst for change.
Figures like Baha Hariri, son of the assassinated Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, offer hope for political renewal. His deep connections in the West and vision for a united, prosperous Lebanon represent a chance to break free from the past. As JST editor-at-large Jacob Heilbrunn notes, “Rafic Hariri’s inspiring example remains the only sustainable path forward not only for Lebanon, but also for the wider Middle East.”
The solution requires both internal reforms and concerted international pressure. The United States and Europe must leverage their economic, political and diplomatic influence to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities. This is not solely Lebanon’s problem; it represents a regional and global crisis. The Lebanese people, battered by decades of war, economic collapse and political paralysis, deserve a chance to rebuild their nation. They long for a Lebanon that stands once again as a beacon of tolerance, culture and peace. To achieve this, Hezbollah’s grip must be broken alongside the outdated confessional system that has crippled the country.
Dismantling Hezbollah’s arms is a critical step towards restoring Lebanon’s greatness and paving the way for a true democracy—one where citizens are united rather than divided by sectarian lines. Hezbollah’s defeat is not merely Lebanon’s victory; it is a triumph for the entire Middle East. It presents an opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its rightful place as a symbol of culture, freedom, and peace.
Originally published by the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune.
