Petra Dvořáková: Israeli attacks on Lebanon are escalating. However, the West is only concerned with disarming Hezbollah

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026

Lebanon faces deep political and social crises amid Israeli strikes, Hezbollah’s status, and sectarian divisions.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Lebanon faces a volatile situation marked by ongoing Israeli attacks and political instability, particularly concerning the disarmament of Hezbollah. A January 2026 deadline for Hezbollah’s disarming was set by Israel, with fears that if it fails, other groups might take over. Despite a ceasefire agreement since November 2024, reports indicate numerous violations by Israel in Lebanon, resulting in civilian casualties and Israeli occupation of southern areas. The disarmament process is complicated by vague terms in the agreement, allowing both sides to interpret it differently.

The article also provides context on daily life in Lebanon, noting that despite severe crises like economic collapse and wars with Israel, life continues amidst resilience and dark humor. Lebanese society remains deeply divided along sectarian lines, which has historically dictated where people seek safety as the state has not provided security. Israeli military operations have disproportionately targeted areas with majority Shiite populations.

Internationally, there is pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, with the EU offering financial support to the Lebanese army for this purpose. However, experts caution that forcibly disarming Hezbollah could lead to civil war and might cause Iran to withdraw its support, impacting social services in Shiite areas. The Lebanese army itself is severely under-equipped and dependent on external aid, making it unlikely to effectively defend the country against Israeli forces. Analysts suggest that a purely military solution is unfeasible, emphasizing the need for grassroots change and international pressure on Israel to take responsibility.


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