Lebanese Anger Grows Toward Hezbollah Amid Israel's Relentless Assault

BEIRUT, Lebanon - As Israel's invasion of Lebanon intensifies, leaving 1,400 dead and over 1 million displaced, frustration with Hezbollah is mounting among Lebanese citizens, both supporters and critics alike. The Iran-backed militant group and political party is being blamed for its perceived miscalculations, which many believe have led to the devastating conflict.

Lawmaker Samy Gemayel of the Kataeb Party, a longtime rival of Hezbollah, condemned the group's actions, stating, “This is a war between Iran and Israel on Lebanese territory... Hezbollah is continuing its war. It's not willing to stop, and is taking the whole country to hell with it.”

Family members of those killed in Israeli attacks are also criticizing Hezbollah for lacking adequate plans to evacuate, shelter, or rescue their loved ones. Mohammad, a 40-year-old man who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, expressed outrage over Hezbollah's priorities. “They chose this. Don't tell me it's 'the situation' when you get (Hezbollah members' bodies) out and leave my family under the rubble.”

Hezbollah's decision to join the fight alongside Hamas last October, launching missiles and rockets at northern Israel, is seen by many as the catalyst for the current conflict. The group's assumption that Israel would be exhausted from its Gaza campaign has proven spectacularly wrong, with Israel launching thousands of airstrikes across Lebanon.

The Israeli military's expanding evacuation orders have raised fears of occupation, with almost a third of the country potentially under control. Recent airstrikes in Beirut have killed at least 22 people and wounded 92 others, sparking chaos and outrage.

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Nationalist sentiment remains strong, with many Lebanese committed to resisting Israeli occupation. However, analysts warn of a growing disenchantment with Hezbollah, which Israel is seeking to exploit. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the Lebanese people to "stand up" and take their country back from Hezbollah.

Experts, such as Michael Young of the Carnegie Middle East Center, suggest Israel's strategy aims to create an inhospitable environment for Hezbollah, potentially leading to a social explosion. Lawmaker Mustafa Alloush warns of sectarian tensions simmering beneath the surface, while Gemayel fears a repeat of Lebanon's 15-year civil war.

As the conflict escalates, Lebanon teeters on the brink of implosion, its people caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hezbollah.