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Lebanon Fears Hezbollah Amidst Displacement
Fear and suspicion grip Lebanon as displaced residents from Shia areas raise concerns about Hezbollah operatives hiding among them, potentially triggering further Israeli attacks and exacerbating sectarian tensions.
English
United States
Middle EastIsraelRussia Ukraine WarWarConflictDisplacementFearSectarianism
HezbollahIsraeli MilitaryLebanese Armed Forces
Hassan NasrallahBenjamin NetanyahuBashir GemayelNadim GemayelAmal Saad
- How have neighborhood watch programs adapted to the current situation?
- Neighborhood watch programs, previously focused on crime, are now on high alert for suspicious activity, attempting to identify potential Hezbollah members among the displaced population. They gather information before contacting the Lebanese Armed Forces.
- What is the main concern among residents in areas like Ashrafieh, and why?
- The Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have displaced over 1.2 million people, mostly from Shia Muslim areas. Longtime residents in other areas fear that Hezbollah operatives are hiding among the displaced, leading to increased anxieties about further attacks.
- What challenges are displaced Shia families facing when trying to find new homes?
- Displaced Shia families are facing difficulties finding housing in Beirut due to widespread fear and suspicion. Landlords are hesitant to rent to them, even those who speak in French or English to appear less threatening.
- What are the concerns regarding the potential for renewed sectarian conflict in Lebanon?
- There are concerns that Israel's actions might reignite Lebanon's sectarian conflicts, given the country's history of civil war and fragile inter-religious relations. Some Lebanese hope to avoid a repeat of past violence, while others see Hezbollah's presence as intolerable.
- How has Israel's military campaign impacted areas beyond Hezbollah's main base of support?
- Israel's airstrikes have targeted areas beyond Hezbollah strongholds, hitting villages with Christian and Druze populations. Some believe this is a deliberate tactic by Israel to exacerbate sectarian tensions and weaken Hezbollah indirectly.