New York Times reported this Monday that Hezbollah staged a grand funeral for its deceased leader, Hassan Nasrallah, aims to restore its standing in Lebanon following the war with Israel. Tens of thousands gathered at Beirut’s largest stadium, with many waving Hezbollah flags and carrying images of Nasrallah. When his coffin arrived, the crowd erupted in emotion as his voice played over loudspeakers. Hezbollah’s current leader, Naim Qassem, insisted the group remained resilient despite its losses.
Nasrallah was killed on September 27 when Israel bombed his bunker south of Beirut. His death marked a major blow to Hezbollah, which had long been a dominant force in Lebanon. In the following months, Israel inflicted heavy damage on the group, and Hezbollah’s influence on Lebanese politics weakened. Many Lebanese blamed the group for dragging the country into a deadly war.
A ceasefire in November required Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon, but Israeli forces remained in some areas past the deadline. As Hezbollah’s power waned, opposition to the group grew within Lebanon. President Michel Aoun vowed to disarm Hezbollah and restore state control over the military. The newly formed Lebanese government adopted a policy denying Hezbollah’s right to engage in armed resistance against Israel—a major departure from previous stances.
Nasrallah’s funeral was an attempt to reassert Hezbollah’s presence. Despite the group’s recent setbacks—including financial struggles, Iran’s weakened support, and the loss of key allies—Hezbollah used the event to signal its endurance. Experts noted that the funeral served as a rallying tool to maintain support.
International dignitaries from Iran and Iraq attended, but Lebanese officials distanced themselves. President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam sent representatives instead of attending in person, reflecting political tensions.
Israel, meanwhile, carried out airstrikes in eastern and southern Lebanon during the funeral. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any group threatening Israel would face destruction.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated in October 2023 when Hezbollah attacked Israeli positions in solidarity with Hamas. By September 2024, Israeli forces launched a major invasion of southern Lebanon, leading to months of intense fighting before the November ceasefire. Many in Lebanon viewed Hezbollah as having suffered a defeat.
Criticism of Hezbollah has grown, with citizens blaming the group for the destruction of southern Lebanon. The war left towns and villages in ruins, raising doubts about Hezbollah’s ability to fund reconstruction. In 2006, Iran bankrolled Hezbollah’s rebuilding efforts, but financial constraints have slowed assistance this time. Lebanon also suspended Iranian flights to Beirut amid accusations that Tehran was smuggling money to Hezbollah.
The loss of Nasrallah has further damaged the group’s image. He was seen as a charismatic leader who guided Hezbollah from a guerrilla force to a political power. His successor, Naim Qassem, lacks his influence.
Despite its challenges, Hezbollah remains a force in Lebanon. The continued presence of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon provides Hezbollah with a justification for its armed resistance. However, tensions with the Lebanese government have raised concerns about potential internal conflict.
