The fall of the Assad regime wasn't just a cataclysmic event for Syria—it shook the entire region, fundamentally changing its landscape for the foreseeable future. It ended the so-called ‘axis of resistance’—that long-exploited the Palestinian cause to advance its destructive agenda across the region—by severing the lifeline of a network that stretched from Tehran to Beirut, with Syria serving as its central conduit.
The regional order shifted dramatically following the events of October 7 and was fundamentally transformed after 8 December 2024. Yet Hezbollah refuses to confront reality. They seem stuck in the past, still believing the reins of power are in their hands.
And while the United States and Israel are now pushing for Hezbollah’s disarmament, a good chunk of Lebanese society—as well as key voices in the Arab world—have been sounding the alarm over the issue for a long time. Functioning states should have a monopoly on arms—full stop. And any insinuation that the real motive behind this push is alignment with the Israeli agenda is intentionally misleading.
Almost a year has passed since the end of Israel’s war with Hezbollah, and ten months since the fall of Assad’s regime and the subsequent regional transformation. Yet war once again knocks on Lebanon’s door. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has declared the failure of negotiations with Israel, placing the blame on Tel Aviv for rejecting the US proposal.
For his part, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, described the government’s decision to disarm the group as a “sin” that must be reversed. He continues to issue threats and relies on the party’s well-worn tactic of branding as traitors those who demand that the state extend its authority across all Lebanese territory.
