Poll Shows Growing Shia Support in Lebanon for Disarming Hezbollah
A new poll reveals that 66.4% of Shia respondents in Lebanon support handing over Hezbollah's weapons to the state, highlighting deep community fractures and growing discontent.
A recent poll published by the Lebanese Statistics Office reveals a significant shift within the Shia community regarding the status of Hezbollah. According to the survey, 66.4% of Shia respondents support handing over Hezbollah's weapons to state authorities, while 29.6% prefer maintaining the status quo.
Shia Cleric Highlights Shift
Prominent Shia cleric Ali al-Amin stated that the poll reflects a growing awareness of the dangers caused by Hezbollah's policies and its regional allies. He noted that new voices within the Shia community are calling for reform and a change in leadership, arguing that the group's actions have harmed the Lebanese people and the Shia community in particular.
"The implementation of the survey results depends on politicians. They are the ones who must connect with those demanding the state's exclusive authority over matters of war and peace," al-Amin said.
He added that opposition to Hezbollah's trajectory has existed since the 1980s, consistently advocating for a strong Lebanese state, the deployment of the army in southern Lebanon, and the rejection of foreign intervention, particularly from Iran.
Poll Metrics and Internal Debate
The survey, based on a sample of 800 Lebanese Shia citizens, highlighted widespread discontent. Around 42.1% expressed disappointment, anger, or worry regarding how Hezbollah's leadership handled the recent conflict. Furthermore, 42% believe the organization failed to achieve its objectives at a heavy cost, while 25% think it achieved only partial goals. Conversely, 37.1% reported strong confidence in the group.
Journalist Tony Issa noted that a quiet debate is unfolding behind the scenes within the Shia community and inside Hezbollah itself. One faction remains entirely committed to Iranian doctrine regardless of the cost, while another faction understands the magnitude of the disaster and fears a repetition of blind involvement that devastated southern Lebanon.
