Restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty: A path free from Hezbollah and Iranian influence

Lebanon, once known as the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” has been grappling with profound political, economic, and social challenges in recent decades. 

At the heart of these issues lies a central question: How can Lebanon reclaim its full sovereignty, free from the grip of foreign interference, particularly that of Hezbollah and Iran? 

Hezbollah, a powerful paramilitary organization and political party, has entrenched itself deeply in Lebanon’s political and social fabric. Born out of resistance against Israeli occupation in the 1980s, it has since evolved into an entity that exercises disproportionate influence over the country. 

Supported financially and militarily by Iran, Hezbollah wields more power than the Lebanese state in many respects. Its vast network of social services, military capabilities, and political clout have left Lebanon vulnerable to Tehran’s broader geopolitical agenda.

For years, Lebanon has found itself on the frontline of proxy wars in the Middle East, serving as a pawn in Iran’s regional strategy. 

While Hezbollah positions itself as the defender of Lebanon, in reality, it has become a tool for Iranian ambitions. 

The group’s involvement in the Syrian civil war, under the directive of Tehran, has dragged Lebanon further into regional conflicts, compromising its neutrality and security. This influence undermines Lebanon’s ability to exercise full sovereignty over its own affairs, trapping the country in a cycle of dependency and instability.

Hezbollah’s dominance and Iran’s interference have come at a steep cost. Lebanon’s political institutions are weakened, and its economy is in freefall. 

The inability of the Lebanese government to act independently, free from the veto power that Hezbollah often exercises, has paralyzed efforts to implement necessary reforms. Corruption and mismanagement, exacerbated by the group’s influence, have eroded trust in the political system. The devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020 is a stark reminder of the consequences of a weak, dysfunctional state.

Moreover, Lebanon’s international standing has suffered significantly. Relations with traditional allies in the Arab world and the West have deteriorated due to Hezbollah’s presence and its allegiance to Iran. 

Many countries view Lebanon as a proxy for Iranian interests, which has led to diplomatic isolation and reduced economic aid. 

The Lebanese people, who once prided themselves on their country’s unique identity as a bridge between East and West, now find themselves living in a country increasingly defined by sectarianism and foreign dominance.

A Unique Opportunity: Israel’s Offensive Against Hezbollah

The current military offensive by the Israeli army against Hezbollah presents a unique and rare opportunity for Lebanon. 

While the immediate consequences of such conflict are undoubtedly painful, this moment could serve as a turning point for the country to disentangle itself from Hezbollah’s stranglehold. Israel’s military campaign weakens Hezbollah’s operational capabilities and stretches its resources, creating a window of opportunity for Lebanese political forces to rally around the idea of full sovereignty.

Lebanon must seize this moment to initiate internal and external dialogues that could finally lead to Hezbollah’s disarmament and the restoration of full state authority over all Lebanese territories. The challenge is immense, but this could be a critical juncture where Hezbollah’s influence, weakened by external pressure, becomes vulnerable to domestic political and civil society movements demanding national independence. By working with the international community and leveraging this moment of geopolitical pressure, Lebanon has a chance to reduce the influence of Iran through Hezbollah and reclaim its sovereignty.

The road to restoring Lebanon’s full sovereignty is long and fraught with challenges, but it is not impossible. It begins with disentangling Lebanon from Hezbollah’s grip, which requires both domestic and international efforts.

Strengthening State Institutions: Lebanon needs a strong, independent state that can exercise authority over all its territory. This includes reforming the military and security apparatus to ensure that only the state has the monopoly on violence. Disbanding militias, including Hezbollah’s armed wing, is a crucial step in this process. The international community can play a role by supporting Lebanese armed forces and helping rebuild trust in state institutions.

Neutrality as a Foreign Policy Principle: Lebanon must reassert its neutrality in regional conflicts. This was a founding principle of the country’s foreign policy and must be restored to avoid further entanglement in proxy wars. The Taif Agreement, which ended Lebanon’s civil war, provides a framework for maintaining national unity and sovereignty, and it should be fully implemented.

International Support and Diplomacy: Lebanon cannot achieve this goal alone. The international community, particularly the United States, Europe, and Arab states, must increase diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah. Economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and incentives for reform can help curtail Hezbollah’s power. Simultaneously, increased financial and humanitarian aid should be directed to Lebanon, conditional on government reforms aimed at reducing corruption and foreign influence.

A Grassroots Lebanese Movement: Most importantly, the Lebanese people must drive the change. Civil society, which has been gaining strength in recent years, must continue to demand an end to Hezbollah’s dominance and Iran’s interference. The 2019 protests showed that many Lebanese are ready for a new social contract—one that prioritizes national interests over sectarianism and foreign allegiances. Grassroots movements pushing for accountability, transparency, and reform are essential to reclaiming Lebanon’s future.

Lebanon stands at a crossroads. One path leads to continued subjugation to foreign powers and internal fragmentation, while the other offers a vision of a free, sovereign state that can once again take its place on the world stage as a model of diversity and democracy. 

The Lebanese people have already shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Now, it is time for them to unite behind a shared vision of national sovereignty, free from the clutches of Hezbollah and Iranian interference.