'They are sacrificing us' – Tensions rise in 2 Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon

Voices of distress and tension have been heard in two cities in southern Lebanon that are considered Hezbollah strongholds, Kan News reported yesterday evening (Sunday). These are grassroots, civilian-led initiatives calling on the Lebanese state to establish its presence on the ground and demilitarize the areas to prevent further Israeli advances and airstrikes.

A Lebanese source from the anti-Hezbollah camp stated that "nervousness is evident within the Shiite community," given Hezbollah's stubbornness in sacrificing the community in the current war. According to him, even those close to the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri – Hezbollah's Shiite ally – are speaking in closed-door conversations about tensions on the ground.

This evening, Speaker Berri said he could ensure that Hezbollah commits to a ceasefire if Israel commits to one as well. This statement may tie directly to the cries of distress heard in recent days within the Shiite strongholds.

On Sunday, the anti-Hezbollah camp in Lebanon reportedly expressed concern that the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran would include a complete halt to Israeli operations against Hezbollah.

A political source from a Christian party in the anti-Hezbollah camp told Kan News that, unlike Israel, Lebanon cannot realistically confront Hezbollah militarily at this time. According to the source, direct negotiations between the countries can only progress if Hezbollah is weakened.

The source further warned in the conversation with Kan News that if military operations against Hezbollah cease completely, the terrorist organization will turn its attention to settling scores internally within Lebanon, including with the leadership in Beirut that entered direct negotiations with Israel despite Hezbollah's strong opposition to the move.