Lebanon Faces Rare Public Backlash Against Hezbollah Amid Renewed Conflict with Israel
BEIRUT — As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, a rare wave of public discontent is rising within Lebanon, particularly among Shiite communities who have historically been strong supporters of the Iran-backed group. The recent escalation, triggered by Hezbollah’s launch of missiles and drones into Israel on March 2, 2026, following attacks on Iran, has displaced hundreds of thousands and rekindled painful memories of the 2006 and 2024 Israel-Hezbollah wars.
Displacement and Growing Criticism
The fighting has forced an estimated 700,000 people in Lebanon to flee their homes, according to the United Nations as of March 10, 2026. Many are seeking refuge in Beirut, facing difficult conditions in schools and public spaces during the holy month of Ramadan. Unlike previous conflicts, some Lebanese Shiites are now openly criticizing Hezbollah, blaming the group for bringing renewed destruction and hardship upon their communities.
“I am against giving pretexts to Israel,” said a 45-year-vintage Lebanese mother of two, who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal. “I am totally against Hezbollah’s decision to start with the first strike.” She is currently sheltering with her family in a school in Beirut after being displaced from southern Lebanon.
Hussein Ali, a vegetable vendor from Beirut’s southern suburb of Haret Hreik, expressed similar sentiments. Having been forced to flee his home for the second time in less than two years – his apartment was destroyed in the previous conflict – he lamented, “No one wanted this war. People haven’t recovered from the previous war.”
Government Response and Crackdown
The Lebanese government has taken steps to distance itself from Hezbollah’s military actions. On March 2, 2026, the government declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal, with overwhelming support from cabinet ministers according to the Associated Press. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that the decision of war and peace rests solely with the state and ordered Hezbollah to disarm.
The Lebanese army has begun a crackdown, arresting three Hezbollah members found transporting weapons, though they were later released on bail. Government officials have accused Hezbollah of unilaterally taking military actions that should be under state control, citing the group’s attacks on Israel following the October 8, 2023, Hamas assault on southern Israel.
Historical Context and Continued Support
After the end of Lebanon’s civil war in 1990, militias were required to disarm, but Hezbollah was exempted due to its resistance against Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon. Despite the current criticism, Hezbollah maintains a dedicated base of support. Some argue that the group’s actions were justified in response to continued Israeli airstrikes, which have killed approximately 400 people in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire, including civilians, and hindered reconstruction efforts as reported by the Associated Press.
“We cannot tolerate that anymore,” said Ali Saleh, a displaced resident from a southern village near Nabatiyeh. “I pray for God to protect our young men and make them victorious against Israel.”
Political science professor Sadek Nabulsi, whose views align with Hezbollah, suggests that the current complaints are not new and do not represent a significant shift in grassroots support. He points to similar outcries during previous conflicts in 2006 and 2024, noting that Hezbollah’s base is “known for… tolerating pain” and remains “coherent, patient and waiting for salvation.”
Expanding Conflict Zone
The conflict has expanded beyond southern Lebanon, with an Israeli strike hitting the Ramada Plaza hotel in central Beirut on March 8, 2026 according to the BBC. Israel alleged the hotel was used for a meeting of Iranian operatives, a claim Iran denies. The strike killed four people and injured ten, marking the first time Israel’s bombing campaign had targeted the city center. Further strikes were reported on March 11, 2026, targeting an apartment block in Beirut as reported by Reuters.