Lebanese leaders are expressing grave concerns about Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah, warning it could reignite sectarian violence reminiscent of the country's brutal civil war. The anxiety peaks as thousands of displaced families seek refuge from the intense clashes, with communities struggling to maintain their fragile unity amid the turmoil.
Sheikh Akl Sami Abi al-Mona, the influential figure of Lebanon’s Druze community, recently emphasized the potential for old wounds to reopen. "They want to set sectarian groups at each others’ throats and to fight each other," he cautioned, alluding to the demographic shifts occurring as Shiite families flee conflict-ridden southern regions toward Druze, Sunni, and Christian areas. Over 100,000 people have already been displaced by the airstrikes, highlighting the increasing tension within the diverse communities.
Initially, the war had prompted temporary solidarity among Lebanese citizens, yet as the displacement escalates, fractures have begun to appear. Taymur Jumblatt, another prominent Druze lawmaker, observed upon asking, "How long can this wave of displacement be managed without sparking conflict?" His statement reflects the growing grassroots tensions stemming from community frustrations, compounded by some political leaders who, according to Jumblatt, have failed to ease the situation.
The Lebanese government is voicing its displeasure over Israel's demands, which insist on dismantling Hezbollah or facing dire consequences. The local officials argue this expectation disregards Hezbollah's deep-rooted political and military presence, making any attempts to weaken the group complicated. They advocate for diplomatic solutions, insisting on the necessity of establishing peace before any political changes can take place.
Escalations have intensified with Israel's recent ground operations and airstrikes, targeting urban centers like Tyre and parts of Beirut. These operations resulted in tragic civilian casualties—from one particularly harrowing day when at least 28 civilians lost their lives underlining the dire humanitarian impact of the conflict.
International observers—especially European diplomats—are voicing their concerns. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently labeled Lebanon as being "on the brink of collapse," warning of the ramifications of the violence on the country’s delicate societal fabric. The war poses risks of not just impacting Lebanon but spilling over and forming new regional flashpoints as the sectarian lines are often drawn across borders.
Despite international appeals for restraint, including from the U.S. urging Lebanon to adhere to UN resolution 1701—which calls for Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Lebanon—many Lebanese express frustration. Jumblatt succinctly voiced his sentiments: "The Americans are overly focused on securing Israeli safety and undermining Iran; they are indifferent to what happens to Lebanon."
Remarkably, Sheikh Abi al-Mona suggests the events are possibly part of Israel’s broader strategy, aimed at destabilizing Lebanon to justify long-term military control over southern Lebanon. His comments resonate among various leaders who gathered last week to call for unity across Lebanese sectors. Their appeal implores the United Nations Security Council to impose an immediate cease-fire, aimed at halting the humanitarian disaster arising from the conflict.
This turmoil is not just about military strategies or political power plays; it’s deeply personal for many Lebanese citizens, many of who still harbor memories of the last sectarian conflict. With the specter of civil strife looming, community leaders now face the challenging task of trying to prevent history from repeating itself.
While the fear of renewed violence simmers beneath the surface, the way forward remains precarious. The delicate balance of sectarian dynamics within Lebanon is being tested day by day as the conflict continues to evolve. Increased vigilance and proactive measures from all community sectors may prove necessary to avert slipping back to the chaos of the past.
