Shifting Perspectives: Lebanon’s Path Toward Peace with Israel Amid Hezbollah’s Decline

Shifting Perspectives: Lebanon’s Path Toward Peace with Israel Amid Hezbollah’s Decline

In the wake of Israel’s decisive actions against Hezbollah’s leadership, the political landscape in Lebanon has begun to transform. The impact of U.S. foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration, has played a crucial role in this evolving narrative. The U.S. has made it clear that it aims to curb the influence of the Iranian-backed terror group, leading to a gradual shift in public sentiment within Beirut.

Rami Naim, a journalist specializing in Lebanese affairs and a commentator for Jusoor News, expressed optimism about this change. He highlighted the significance of Hezbollah’s weakened state, stating, “Thanks to Hezbollah being weakened after the war with Israel, we are in a position to discuss peace with Israel openly now. It’s a remarkable shift from a time when I faced interrogation and imprisonment for expressing hopes for peace. Today, we can advocate for normalization with Israel without fear.” Naim’s earlier criticisms had drawn the ire of Hezbollah, demonstrating the risks many faced in voicing contrary opinions.

A New Era with Joseph Aoun’s Presidency

Joseph Aoun’s election as Lebanon’s president in January 2025 has marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s political trajectory. This election broke a two-year political stalemate and was perceived as a triumph for those opposing Hezbollah’s influence. As a result, the idea of pursuing peace with Israel has gained traction among the Lebanese public.

Naim praised U.S. leadership, stating, “We believe Trump will get things back on track and aim for a significant peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which will necessitate pushing back against Iran’s influence.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire among Lebanese citizens to seek stability and peace in the region.

Public Sentiment Shifts Towards Normalization

Recent interviews by Jussor, a pan-Arab media outlet, illuminate a significant change in public opinion. Many Lebanese citizens now voice their willingness to embrace normalization with Israel. One individual, who appeared on camera, shared his belief: “I believe a day will come when there will be normalization with Israel. While it will take time, I am hopeful it will happen eventually.”

Another interviewee echoed this sentiment, stating, “Israel desires peace. They are taking steps to prevent war, and we share that desire. We are exhausted by conflict.” Such expressions reflect a growing consensus that the cost of continued conflict is too high for both nations.

The Role of U.S. Diplomacy in Disarming Hezbollah

Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. deputy special envoy for Middle East Peace, has emphasized the necessity of disarming Hezbollah as a means to stabilize Lebanon and promote regional peace. In a recent interview with Al Arabiya, she described Hezbollah as a “cancer” in Lebanon, arguing that it must be excised for the country to restore its hope for recovery. Ortagus articulated her views on the situation, saying, “When facing a cancer diagnosis, one cannot treat only a portion of it and allow the rest to thrive; the entire malignancy must be removed.”

According to Ortagus, Iran bears substantial responsibility for the instability in the region, dragging Lebanon into conflicts that do not align with its interests. She noted, “The Lebanese government had no intention of engaging in war with Israel. It was Hezbollah and Iran that forced the issue.” Such comments reflect a clear stance against external influences that exacerbate internal discord.

Challenges for Lebanese Leadership

While there is palpable public support for peace, the responsibility lies heavily on Lebanon’s political elite to act. Naim warned that the Lebanese politicians must overcome their inefficacies. He stated, “We need America to maintain pressure on Lebanon’s corrupt politicians, who have enabled Hezbollah to replenish its military strength. It’s not solely up to activists and journalists to advocate for peace—our leaders need to endorse it publicly.”

International Perspectives on Peace Initiatives

Naim underscored the value of international support in Lebanese political dynamics. He shared his frustrations with previous U.S. administrations, expressing concern about compromises made with Iran at the expense of Lebanese interests. He reminisced about a time during Trump’s first term when pressure on Iran significantly reduced its aggressive postures. As he waits for the next election cycle, Naim expressed hope that Trump’s return to the presidency may reinstate a robust stance against Iranian aggression.

Addressing Palestinian Refugee Concerns

Despite the growing sentiment for peace with Israel, the plight of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon remains a contentious issue. One man shared his views, stating, “While I believe that the region is moving towards peace, we have our demands—it’s untenable to expect us to normalize relations while accommodating 500,000 Palestinians living as refugees here.” This acknowledgment underscores the complexity of the peace process, which cannot ignore the historical and humanitarian context of the region.

A woman added to this discussion, stating, “We support peace in Lebanon, but not at the cost of other people’s wars that undermine our interests. We should heed our patriarch’s call for neutrality. It’s imperative that we step back from the fixation on political affiliations in the region and focus on our country’s wellbeing instead.”

A Growing Consensus for Peaceful Coexistence

Naim made a powerful observation about the divisions in Lebanese society, noting, “The Lebanese people are not evenly split on this issue. A significant majority now supports normalization and peace with Israel. It is no longer taboo to express support for peaceful relations. Many Lebanese now assert, ‘I want peace and normalization because the consequences of past wars have been too great. The Israelis want peace as do we—this is a win-win situation for both parties.’”