Lebanon: “We Just Want a Moment of Peace”
Polarisation and paralysis grow as country fears it will be pulled into a fresh conflict.
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Lebanon: Nothing About This is Normal
Despite ordinary people’s great resilience, we must never normalise civilians forced to live in a state of war.
Despite a fragile calm between Israel and Iran, there is growing unease in Lebanon at the possibility of being dragged into a new war that the beleaguered country can ill afford.
A November 2024 ceasefire was supposed to halt hostilities between Israel and the Iran-allied Hezbollah, which wields significant power in Lebanon. However, Israel has periodically continued to strike targets it says are connected to the armed group.
Many fear that Hezbollah will now become directly involved in the confrontation between Israel and Iran. Dahlia Khoury, IWPR country director for Lebanon and Syria, shares her perspective from Beirut.
IWPR: There has been much attention paid to the potential role Hezbollah could play in a conflict between Israel and Iran. How is this playing out in national discussions, and what has been the political impact?
Dahlia Khoury: There’s been a lot of debate inside Lebanon about Hezbollah’s potential role in a wider Israel-Iran war. For many, the group’s strong ties to Iran make it likely that it would be drawn into any direct conflict—even if that means dragging Lebanon into a war it didn’t choose.
This possibility has sparked serious concern in national discussions. Supporters of Hezbollah argue that the group is a key part of Lebanon’s defence strategy and should stand with Iran as a strategic ally. But critics—especially from other political factions—say Hezbollah is acting in Iran’s interest, not Lebanon’s, and risking the country’s security and stability.
Politically, this is deepening divides. It’s weakening any attempts at national unity and making it harder to form or maintain a functioning government. People are also frustrated that such a critical decision—whether or not Lebanon gets involved in a major regional war—is being made by one group, without national consensus. So the political impact is real: more polarisation, more paralysis, and a growing fear of being pulled into something Lebanon can’t afford.
I have lived with this mentality all my life, passed down from my parents and grandparents. The Lebanese community stands united in its commitment to coexistence. We care for one another and live side by side in mixed communities—whether Shi’a, Sunni, Druze, or Christian. This social fabric is the foundation of our shared life, and we are determined to preserve it. We do not want any external forces to disrupt or weaken this deep-rooted sense of unity and mutual respect.
How could Lebanon’s internal politics be influenced by an Israel-Iran war, and does it risk deepening divisions between Lebanese factions?
Lebanon could be pulled into any such conflict because of Hezbollah’s close ties to Iran. That would have serious political consequences inside Lebanon. Hezbollah might take military action against Israel, which could trigger Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory—leading to more destruction and instability. This would deepen tensions between Lebanese groups who support Hezbollah and those who blame it for dragging Lebanon into another war. Some factions may argue that Hezbollah is acting in Iran’s interest rather than Lebanon’s. It could also stall political progress—like forming a government or passing reforms—since national attention would shift to security and survival. So yes, war could definitely make Lebanon’s internal divisions worse, especially in a country already dealing with economic crisis and political instability.
How might a war affect the already fragile Lebanese economy, and what could be the consequences of sanctions or disrupted trade routes on Lebanon?
A war between Israel and Iran would affect Lebanon’s economy very hard—especially since it’s already in crisis. If fighting spreads to Lebanon, businesses could shut down and tourism – now in its summer season - would stop completely. That would mean even more job losses and higher prices. If sanctions are added or trade routes are blocked, things would get worse. Lebanon relies heavily on imports, especially for fuel, medicine and food. Any disruption in shipping or border access could lead to shortages and a spike in prices. Everyday life would become even more difficult for people, and it could push more Lebanese into poverty. Our economy is still struggling to recover from the collapse of the banking system and the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah. The government remains unable to repay debts or to rebuild the destruction caused by the conflict. People have lost their savings, infrastructure is ruined, and trust in the system is at an all-time low. Lebanon simply cannot afford to go through another round of violence.
There are also real fears that fresh fighting could lead to a new wave of refigees or internal displacement. It could force many people, especially those living in border areas with Israel, to flee either to safer parts of the country or to leave altogether. Lebano still hosts large numbers of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and public services like healthcare, electricity, and water are already over capacity. Any new wave of displacement could break what's left of the system.
How might Lebanon’s relationships with Gulf countries, the US and Europe shift?
Lebanon’s ties with Gulf countries, the US, and Europe could get more complicated if the country is seen as being drawn into the Israel-Iran conflict—especially through Hezbollah. Gulf states, in particular, have grown increasingly cautious about Lebanon, and any perception that it’s being used as a base for Iran’s influence could further damage already strained relations.
Western countries like the US and key European states may reconsider their support, particularly financial aid and diplomatic engagement, if they believe Lebanon is aligning too closely with Iran. European officials have already made it clear that continued support depends on meaningful reforms and long-term stability. They are reluctant to invest in a country where their assistance could be wiped out by another war.
On the other hand, if Lebanon can maintain a position of neutrality or at least limit its involvement in the conflict, there’s still a chance for international support to continue—helping to stabilise the country and prevent a total collapse.
What role has disinformation played amid the escalating violence between Israel and Iran?
Disinformation has played a major role in fueling tensions and confusion. Both state and non-state actors have used social media and other platforms to spread fake news, doctored videos and misleading narratives—often to blame the other side or incite fear. In Lebanon and across the region, false claims about attacks, casualties or political developments go viral within minutes, creating panic and mistrust. It has become extremely difficult to know what to believe. From my personal experience, the best approach is to rely on personal research, cross-check sources and to think critically. In times of conflict, disinformation becomes a weapon—used to manipulate public opinion, justify violence, and cloud the reality on the ground.
We just want a moment of peace—a chance to breathe, to live with a clear mind, and to think about our children, jobs, our families, and the future of this beautiful country. We've learned the hard way through years of conflict, crisis, and hardship. All we ask for now is the opportunity to live in dignity, free from war and corruption. We’ve endured enough—and we believe we’ve earned the right to peace and stability.
