Hezbollah social welfare system challenges Lebanese state authority

The Lebanese state faces increasing difficulty reasserting authority as Hezbollah maintains a deep-rooted social welfare system that provides essential services to citizens, particularly in southern Lebanon. For many displaced residents and families who have lost members in the conflict with Israel, Hezbollah’s martyr foundation offers critical support, including housing, school fees, healthcare, and psychological services.

This extensive social machinery creates a significant divide between the state and Hezbollah supporters. While the United States and Israel have pressured the Lebanese government to disarm the group, the state struggles to compete with Hezbollah’s ability to provide security and social stability. The ongoing Israeli military presence and attacks further complicate the Lebanese state’s ability to demonstrate its capacity to protect its citizens.