Lebanon Held Hostage by Hezbollah Acting on Iran's Behalf

This analysis explores the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which escalated in early March, dragging Lebanon into a war that most of its population did not desire. Despite suffering significant setbacks in 2024, Hezbollah continues to resist, raising critical questions about its operational capabilities and the Lebanese government's ability to enforce disarmament. Dr. Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, provides expert insight into the militant group's complex role within the region. He argues that Hezbollah maintains a dual identity: it is deeply embedded in the fabric of Lebanese society, yet it is not solely a Lebanese entity. Instead, it acts at the behest of Iran, prioritizing external agendas over national interests. Levitt highlights that Hezbollah has repeatedly initiated conflicts with Israel against the will of the broader Lebanese populace, effectively holding the nation hostage to its geopolitical ambitions. The discussion underscores the tension between Hezbollah's social integration and its function as a proxy force, challenging the prospects for peace and state sovereignty in Lebanon.