Lebanon’s Struggles Amid Ceasefire Between Israel And Hezbollah

🌼Lebanon is experiencing a fragile phase of peace after a US-brokered ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah. For over a year, the country faced relentless airstrikes, drone attacks, and destruction. Now, with the ceasefire in place, the country is taking its first steps toward recovery. However, this period of calm has been slightly overshadowed, as the country finds itself in the middle of a chaotic recovery, from rebuilding destroyed homes to solving deep political and economic issues.

A Brief Respite After War

🍒The ceasefire has brought temporary relief to Lebanon. The streets, once filled with the sound of drones and explosions, are now filled with hope as civilians celebrate the end of the conflict. Families displaced by the violence are finally returning to their homes in the southern and eastern parts of the country. For many, the journey back is bittersweet—homes and neighborhoods have been destroyed, and the task of rebuilding feels overwhelming.

🤡According to the World Bank, the damage caused by the war amounts to $8.5 billion. Villages along Lebanon's borders with Israel have been almost entirely wiped out. Cities like Beirut and towns in the south are filled with destroyed buildings, crumbling infrastructure, and signs of the chaos the war left behind. For a country already struggling with political and economic crises, the damage from this war only adds to the burden.

The Ceasefire Agreement

𝓡The ceasefire is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which outlines a 60-day plan for stability. Under this agreement, Hezbollah and Israeli forces must withdraw from southern Lebanon. The Lebanese military is expected to take control of these areas, and Hezbollah is required to dismantle its military positions near the Israeli border.

𝐆This agreement aims to create lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel, but many doubts remain. Hezbollah has said it will cooperate with the Lebanese army, yet the group has also made it clear that it will continue its resistance against Israel. This raises concerns about whether the group will truly disarm and whether peace will hold.

💜Critics of the ceasefire say the agreement puts more pressure on Lebanon than on Israel. If Hezbollah does not fully comply, Israel has the right to resume military action, leaving Lebanon vulnerable. The situation puts the Lebanese military in a tough position. It must enforce the ceasefire but may not have the resources or political backing to confront Hezbollah, which is supported by many Lebanese Shiites.

Lebanon’s Struggles With Its Military and Economy

♔Lebanon’s problems go beyond the war itself. The country’s economic collapse, which started in late 2019, has left millions in poverty. Inflation has made basic goods unaffordable, and essential services like electricity are nearly nonexistent. Lebanon’s government is unable to provide stability, leaving citizens to fend for themselves.

🍸The Lebanese military, central to implementing the ceasefire, is also in crisis. Soldiers are struggling to survive on their salaries, often taking on second jobs. Despite this, the ceasefire agreement demands that Lebanon deploy an additional 10,000 troops to the south. Without international financial help, meeting these requirements will be nearly impossible.

♍A donor conference held in Paris recently pledged $1 billion to Lebanon, including $800 million for humanitarian aid and $200 million for the military. However, none of this money has been released yet. Meanwhile, the destruction from the war has displaced tens of thousands, leaving many without shelter. With winter approaching, these families face an even tougher situation.

ওThe war has also devastated Lebanon’s economy. Experts estimate that the country's GDP has shrunk by 6.4%, equivalent to $1.15 billion, in just the last two months of fighting. The cost of rebuilding is expected to be enormous, and it is unclear where the funding will come from. Iran, a supporter of Hezbollah, has offered to help, but its own economy is struggling due to sanctions. Wealthy Gulf nations, which helped rebuild Lebanon after the 2006 war, are hesitant to offer aid again, citing frustrations with Lebanon’s corrupt political leaders.

Deep Divisions Over Hezbollah’s Role

𒅌The presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon has always been controversial. Its supporters view it as a necessary defense force against Israel. Its critics, however, argue that its powerful military presence undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and places the country at risk.

𒅌This war began when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel in October 2023, claiming to stand in solidarity with Hamas during the conflict in Gaza. This action led to Israeli retaliation and caused massive destruction in Lebanon. Many Lebanese blame Hezbollah for dragging the country into a war it could not afford.

𒊎Even some of Hezbollah’s traditional allies have started to distance themselves. Gebran Bassil, leader of a Christian political party allied with Hezbollah, criticized the group for acting without considering the impact on Lebanon. Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, another ally, has called for electing a president to break Lebanon’s ongoing political deadlock. This move could weaken Hezbollah’s political influence, as the group has played a significant role in the country’s leadership stalemate.

𒀰Lebanon has been without a president for over two years, and its parliament is deeply divided. Resolving these political problems is essential for the country to rebuild and recover. However, there is little agreement among Lebanon’s leaders on how to move forward.

A Long Road to Recovery

ไRebuilding Lebanon will require significant effort and resources. The ceasefire agreement offers hope by emphasizing the need to integrate displaced residents back into their communities and improve infrastructure. If implemented effectively, these measures could enhance living conditions and reduce tensions in conflict-affected areas.

♕However, Lebanon cannot do this alone. International support will be crucial. The United Nations, donor countries, and humanitarian organizations must work together to provide Lebanon with the financial and technical assistance it needs. Diplomats like Salman Shaikh emphasize that this support must be sustained over time to ensure the ceasefire holds and the country can recover.

♎Despite the difficulties, the Lebanese people remain resilient. Families are returning to their homes, even if they are damaged or destroyed, and communities are coming together to rebuild. The ceasefire represents an opportunity for Lebanon to address its many problems and take steps toward a more stable future. But this will only be possible if political leaders can put aside their differences and focus on the needs of the people.

𒊎Currently, there are huge challenges in front of Lebanon, from rebuilding its towns and villages to resolving political divisions and strengthening its economy. The ceasefire has provided a much-needed break from the violence, but it is only the first step. The future will depend on Lebanon’s ability to rebuild, reconcile, and create lasting peace.

𒅌The country is at a turning point. With the right support and leadership, Lebanon can overcome its difficulties and move toward stability. Without action, however, the fragile peace could collapse, leading to more chaos.