Hezbollah’s decision to engage in a low-level conflict with Israel, rather than seeking to end it, has sparked praise and criticism in Lebanon, reminiscent of the country’s civil war that divided factions based on support or opposition to armed struggle against Israel. As tensions rise between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, some Lebanese fear being drawn into a regional conflict. While Hezbollah’s critics blame the group for risking Lebanon’s stability, others see them as a grassroots resistance movement that liberated the country from Israeli occupation. With Israel threatening a war against Hezbollah, sectarian tensions are escalating, particularly among the Christian community, some of whom do not support Hezbollah’s actions. There are concerns that a full-scale war could lead to mass displacement and civil strife in Lebanon. Despite some pro-Hezbollah supporters calling for more action against Israel, there are fears that military conflict could lead to a further humanitarian crisis. Ultimately, the Lebanese political class is hesitant to escalate tensions with Israel, preferring to avoid sectarian conflict.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com