Beirut – During the same period last year, Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, was consumed by rage, says his son. Israel had exploded the bipers worn by the many members of the terrorist group throughout Lebanon.
A few days later, Nasrallah himself was targeted. The explosions of bipeurs and the assassination of Nasrallah turned out to be the first salvos of an Israeli offensive who caused the death of the main officials of the terrorist group, destroyed a large part of their arsenal and demolished many of the fortifications which they had built along the border.
These developments were unimaginable a year ago,when the one who was then head of Hezbollah faced a serious failure of the communication devices,which cost dozens of members of the group and mutilated thousands of others.
“He was turned upside down, angry, full of resentment-he felt overwhelmed by the bitterness-, and he wondered: ‘How could all this happen?’ For him, these lives had been entrusted to him,” said Jawad Nasrallah, Nasrallah’s second son during an interview with Reuters before his father’s grave.
At that time, Nasrallah was the subject of reinforced security measures. Jawad, like more than a million Lebanese, had been moved by Israeli air strikes. He hadn’t seen his father for three months.
“We tried to take things as they came, day by day.Nothing was without a doubt,” said Jawad.
the leader of the Lebanese terrorist group, Hassan Nasrallah, addressing the nation from a non-disclosed place, September 19, 2024. (Credit: Al-Manar/AFP)
Nasrallah’s latest television speech dates back to September 19, 2024. Eight days later, he died in a series of massive Israeli strikes aimed at a site in the southern suburbs of Beirut, on September 27, 2024, strikes that destroyed a whole pâté of houses, under which the one who directed Hezbollah for more than 30 years attended Iranian and some of his main military commanders.
“we have taught the news to facts, like everyone else. We were shocked, but we couldn’t cry.No one in the house was to shout or indulge in his feelings,” said Jawad, explaining that the other tenants of the building where they temporarily lived their ties with the Hezbollah chief.
Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Despite Calls for State Monopoly on arms in Lebanon
Recent developments in Lebanon, including the formation of a new government, have renewed calls for Hezbollah to disarm and allow the state to establish a monopoly on all arms. Though, Hezbollah has firmly rejected these demands, reaffirming it’s commitment to maintaining its arsenal. This stance is further complicated by the ongoing influence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and regional geopolitical dynamics.
The new Lebanese government has stated its intention to assert state control over all weaponry within its borders. This ambition is rooted in concerns about the destabilizing effect of non-state armed groups, particularly Hezbollah, on Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. The push for disarmament aligns with international pressure, particularly from Western nations, to reduce hezbollah’s influence and prevent further conflict in the region. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanon-govt-says-wants-state-monopoly-arms-2024-06-13/
However,Hezbollah,a powerful political and military force in Lebanon,views its weapons as essential for defending the country against external threats,particularly from Israel. The group has repeatedly stated that it will not relinquish its arms without a comprehensive security agreement addressing the root causes of conflict and guaranteeing lebanon’s security. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/14/lebanons-new-government-faces-huge-challenges-including-hezbollahs-arms
Jawad, a businessman sanctioned by the United States for his ties to hezbollah, emphatically reiterated the group’s position. according to reports, he stated that disarmament is “never” an option, even in hypothetical scenarios. He also revealed a reliance on his father for guidance on critical decisions, highlighting the internal decision-making processes within the organization.The U.S. Treasury Department designated Jawad as a Specially Designated National (SDN) in 2019, alleging he provided financial support to Hezbollah. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm734
The situation is further complicated by the continued influence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah has been a key ally of Assad throughout the Syrian Civil War, providing military support and fighting alongside Syrian government forces. This alliance strengthens Hezbollah’s regional position and complicates efforts to isolate the group.
Understanding Hezbollah’s Role and Concerns
hezbollah emerged during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s, initially as a resistance movement against the Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon. Over time,it evolved into a important political force,participating in Lebanese elections and holding seats in parliament. The group also maintains a significant social welfare network,providing services to its supporters and the broader Shia community in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s concerns regarding disarmament stem from a perceived lack of state capacity to adequately protect Lebanon and a distrust of international actors. The group argues that its weapons serve as a deterrent against Israeli aggression and a safeguard for Lebanon’s sovereignty. However, this position is viewed by many as undermining the authority of the Lebanese state and contributing to regional instability.
The future of Lebanon remains uncertain as the new government attempts to navigate these complex challenges. Successfully establishing a state monopoly on arms will require a delicate balance of political negotiation,security reforms,and addressing the underlying concerns that fuel Hezbollah’s continued armament.