House Hearing Highlights Hezbollah’s Growing Challenge for Lebanon

During a recent hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, lawmakers and witnesses emphasized the unique, albeit fleeting, chance to undermine and reshape Hezbollah. There’s a strong emphasis on Lebanese national sovereignty, yet diverging opinions exist on whether U.S. policies are adequately responding to the situation.

At the outset, Chairman Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) remarked that Lebanon stands “at a crossroads,” especially following the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024. He described this moment as “unprecedented,” a chance for Lebanon to liberate itself from Iranian influence, though he cautioned that progress might be inconsistent—”At best, it was hit-and-miss.”

On the other hand, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), a senior member, adopted a stronger stance, claiming that Hezbollah is already in the process of realignment and that U.S. policy risks missing this essential moment.

Hezbollah’s potential for disarmament remains a hot topic. Lawler declared, “Lebanon has a historic opportunity to disarm Hezbollah and remove its grip on the Lebanese state.” However, he emphasized that the window of opportunity is limited and that Hezbollah is actively working to strengthen itself.

Sherman criticized recent cuts to non-security aid and inaccurately represented statements from security officials, implying they could signal a dangerous message at this critical moment.

David Schenker, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, pointed out that while Hezbollah has seen some military setbacks, the pace of disarmament is disturbingly slow and hindered. He acknowledged some presence of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in the south that hadn’t existed before the ceasefire but clarified that Hezbollah still dominates the region.

Schenker remarked that the main barrier now is not capacity but political determination. He stated, “The disarmament issue is more about will than ability,” warning that Hezbollah continues to thrive in an environment fueled by corruption and a cash-based economy.

Hanin Ghadar, also from the Washington Institute, shared concerns that even if Hezbollah surrendered all its weapons, it wouldn’t dismantle the group’s influence. She noted, “Hezbollah is supported not just by weapons,” expanding on how it relies on a broader economic and political network to maintain its power.

According to Ghadar, Lebanon’s unregulated cash economy has become crucial for Hezbollah’s survival. “Weapons may be collected, but money continues flowing,” she said. “Unless we tackle the cash economy, genuine disarmament won’t hold.”

All witness testimonies emphasized that U.S. aid needs to be contingent on visible results, like disarming Hezbollah and advancing economic reforms. Schenker insisted on implementing new sanctions against corrupt Lebanese officials, arguing, “We must now sanction those leaders who obstruct reform.”

Dana Stroll, another senior fellow at the Institute, warned that the U.S. approach remains incomplete. “Disarmament is vital, but it’s only part of the strategy,” she noted. As parliamentary elections approach, she cautioned that outcomes could either bolster or weaken the anti-Hezbollah government. It would be, in her words, “the worst outcome” if pro-Hezbollah figures maintained power.

In light of these discussions, some are noting a significant shift in Lebanon’s public conversation, with Ghadar observing that “the myth of resistance has been shattered.” She also hinted that normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel could raise the stakes for Hezbollah’s rearmament, thus aiding in the entrenchment of necessary reforms. “Without a credible peace horizon, disarmament and reform will remain temporary,” she concluded.