**Hezbollah Won't Disarm, Say Residents of Beirut Stronghold**
Residents of Dahiyeh, a neighborhood in Beirut known as a stronghold for Hezbollah, have expressed their refusal to disarm the group in exchange for reconstruction funds. This sentiment comes in the wake of extensive destruction caused by Israeli strikes amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict that escalated in 2023.
The Dahiyeh area, located in the southwestern part of the Lebanese capital, has been heavily impacted by military actions, leading to significant infrastructure damage. The conflict's spillover into Lebanon has raised concerns among local residents, who are now facing the dual challenges of rebuilding their lives and navigating the political implications of a recent peace agreement.
In late June, a framework peace agreement was signed between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, facilitated by the United States. The deal outlines a plan for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to withdraw from southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese military taking over the region and tasked with overseeing the disarmament of Hezbollah. However, this agreement has been met with strong opposition from the group, which has labeled it a "surrender" to Israeli demands. Hezbollah officials have warned that any attempts to enforce disarmament could lead to further conflict.
Local residents in Dahiyeh have echoed these concerns, emphasizing their support for Hezbollah despite the destruction wrought by Israeli military actions. One shopkeeper criticized the agreement as a "humiliation and disgrace" for Lebanon, asserting that it offers no benefits to the Lebanese state. Another resident questioned the notion of trading reconstruction funds for the group's weapons, suggesting that they would rather find their own means to support the resistance than compromise on their arms.
The World Bank has estimated that Lebanon will require at least $11 billion for reconstruction efforts following the recent conflict. The damage incurred from the hostilities between the IDF and Hezbollah alone has been assessed at $6.8 billion, not accounting for the additional destruction that has occurred since.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to evolve, the residents of Dahiyeh remain steadfast in their stance, prioritizing their allegiance to Hezbollah over financial incentives for disarmament. The ongoing conflict and the implications of the peace agreement will likely continue to shape the discourse in the region as reconstruction efforts begin.