Hezbollah Faces Growing Internal Criticism as Shi’ite Survey Shows Support for Weapon Transfer to State

Hezbollah faces mounting internal criticism from Lebanon’s Shi’ite community, according to a recent survey highlighted by regional media. Conducted by Statistics Lebanon in September among 800 Lebanese Shi’ites, the poll suggests a growing segment of the community is questioning the group’s continued possession of weapons and its conduct in conflicts with Israel.

The survey, reported by Israel’s KAN public broadcaster and the Lebanese Kataeb.org website, found that 66.4% of respondents supported transferring Hezbollah’s arsenal to the Lebanese state. A smaller percentage, 29.6%, preferred the group retain its weapons. This shift in sentiment challenges Hezbollah’s longstanding argument that its military capabilities are essential for Lebanon’s defense against Israel.

Roi Kais, head of the Arab world department at KAN 11, noted that 66% of Lebanese Shi’ites support transferring Hezbollah’s weapons to the state, with more than 40% expressing anger and disappointment with the group’s leadership. Despite this, the survey indicates that Hezbollah’s influence within the community remains strong, as long as no other entity steps into the void.

Kataeb.org, the website of the Phalange Party, a political party opposed to Hezbollah, published details of the survey. The party’s stance contrasts with Hezbollah’s, as the survey found that 71.1% of respondents believed decisions about war and peace should rest exclusively with the Lebanese state. Only 5.9% supported Hezbollah’s leadership having a greater role in determining Lebanon’s future.

The findings also reveal significant confidence in the Lebanese Armed Forces. According to the survey, 78.5% of respondents expressed trust in the army, while 51.1% identified it as the institution best suited to guarantee long-term security. Only 16.5% selected Hezbollah as the preferred institution for security.

These results have sparked questions about Hezbollah’s traditional claim to represent the security interests of Lebanon’s Shi’ite community. They suggest a growing preference for stronger state institutions over the group’s militant approach. The survey underscores a complex dynamic within Lebanon’s Shi’ite community, where support for Hezbollah is not uniform and is increasingly influenced by broader political and security considerations.

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