Could Hezbollah push Lebanon into a civil war?

Lebanese army deploys snipers in Beirut amid rumors of deteriorating internal stability as Hezbollah supporters rally in the capital.

By World Israel News Staff

Supporters of Hezbollah protested in Beirut over the weekend against Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a sign of rising political tension as Lebanon faces mounting pressure over the war with Israel and the future role of the Iranian-backed group.

The protests came amid a broader dispute over whether Lebanon’s government should pursue any diplomatic track connected to Israel while fighting continues along the border and in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has publicly rejected direct negotiations with Israel unless there is a ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, according to recent public statements by senior Hezbollah officials.

The demonstrations highlighted the increasingly fragile position of Salam’s government, which is trying to balance international pressure, domestic instability and Hezbollah’s continued influence as both an armed force and a major political actor.

Israeli and Lebanese media reports said anger among Hezbollah supporters has been fueled by fears that Beirut could eventually move toward talks that would weaken the group’s standing.

Channel 14, citing Middle East analyst Edy Cohen, reported that Hezbollah was preparing supporters to resist any move toward negotiations with Israel and warned that internal confrontation in Lebanon could deepen.

The unrest is unfolding as Lebanon continues to absorb the impact of renewed conflict with Israel, including casualties, displacement and growing economic strain.

The issue of Hezbollah’s weapons and political status has long divided Lebanon, but the debate has become more acute during the latest round of fighting.

Salam has said diplomacy remains necessary, but his room to maneuver appears limited as public pressure rises and sectarian and political fault lines sharpen.

Last Friday, the Lebanese army deployed snipers to a number of high-rise buildings around key government buildings in Beirut, further fueling speculation of growing internal instability.