Hezbollah's Historic Allies Abandon the Group
Lebanon is witnessing a political shift: Hezbollah is becoming isolated within state institutions as its allies distance themselves. Direct communication channels with the presidential administration were severed after the framework agreement with Israel. Implementation is proceeding through the army. President Aoun and Speaker Berri are working to bring the agreement back into the political fold, with Berri refusing to support a boycott. Bassil's 'Defend Lebanon' conference demands that weapons be concentrated in the hands of the state. Pressure on Hezbollah comes from former allies, including Amal.
Lebanon is witnessing a notable political shift: Hezbollah is becoming increasingly isolated within state institutions, and its former allies are gradually distancing themselves. Direct communication channels between Hezbollah and the Lebanese presidential administration were completely severed after the signing of the US-brokered framework agreement with Israel, Lebanese political sources told Aram News. Implementation of the agreement is now carried out mainly through the Lebanese army, which is responsible for coordination and execution on the ground, without the political channel between Hezbollah and the Baabda Palace. Sources emphasize that this is no longer about disagreements over specific points, but a new political reality in which Hezbollah is effectively excluded from the process of engagement with the president. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are working to bring the agreement back into an active political track. Berri refused to support Hezbollah's boycott of the presidency, and his visit to Baabda Palace is seen as a political signal of the need to keep state institutions functioning. In parallel, a conference was held on the initiative of Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil, titled 'Defend Lebanon,' with participants from various camps, including the Amal movement. A document was produced demanding that weapons be concentrated in the hands of the state and that a defense strategy be developed with a central role for the army. Hezbollah did not participate. The document stresses that the decision on war and peace must remain exclusively with the state. Sources note that pressure on Hezbollah comes not only from traditional opponents but also from former allies. Amal participates in discussions on strengthening the state's role, and the Free Patriotic Movement is shifting to rhetoric centered on the army and state institutions. This is not necessarily a complete break, but rather differences in approach. The final settlement will depend on relations between Tehran and Washington. Already, there is a growing trend toward returning key decisions to the hands of the state. Hezbollah finds itself in an unusual position: without direct contact with the presidency, outside new initiatives, and with weakening support from allies.