In a scene reminiscent of a war-torn metropolis, the streets of Nuweiri in central Beirut were illuminated only by the headlights of packed cars and the anxious faces of pedestrians carrying their limited belongings. As individuals moved cautiously on foot, they found themselves caught in the chaotic aftermath of Israeli military evacuation warnings—an alarming first for this area.

Our attempt to reach the site of a catastrophic Israeli airstrike earlier that afternoon—which had claimed at least seven lives and reduced a building to rubble—was thwarted by crowds fleeing the scene. We were met with men on motorbikes urging us to turn back, asserting the rising danger. Minutes later, more explosions echoed throughout the city, punctuated by the distant drone of Israeli aircraft overhead.

This dramatic escalation unfolded as Lebanon held its breath, awaiting Israel’s decision on a ceasefire deal—the fragile glimmer of hope to quell over a year of conflict spurred by Hezbollah, the powerful Iranian-backed movement known for its strong influence in the region.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed an aggressive wave of bombardment, targeting strategic locations across Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahieh—Hezbollah’s stronghold. Within a matter of minutes post-strike, 20 targets were reportedly struck, creating a shocking cacophony heard throughout the city.

With an official ceasefire now announced, the questions about Hezbollah’s future remain complex and profound.

The toll of the war has been immense for Lebanon: over 3,700 lives lost and a staggering one million displaced. This mass displacement prominently affects areas with significant Hezbollah presence. The World Bank has reported economic losses amounting to a staggering $8.5 billion, leaving many to wonder how the nation will recover from such devastation, with no clear answer in sight.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, thousands of Lebanese soldiers are expected to take charge in southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of both Israeli and Hezbollah forces. However, significant uncertainty casts doubt on this deployment. Reports suggest that the Lebanese military lacks the necessary resources—both manpower and equipment—to fulfill this role adequately.

Yet, the challenges extend beyond mere funding, which may come from international allies. A question looms: Will the Lebanese military be willing to confront Hezbollah if required? This scenario could pit Lebanese citizens against one another, a daunting prospect in a nation where sectarian tensions run deep.

Diplomatic sources indicate that Lebanese authorities are beginning to recognize that change is necessary and there is emerging political will to address the situation. However, Hezbollah, too, finds itself reeling from the conflict. Many of its senior leaders, including prominent figures like Hassan Nasrallah, have been killed, and their operational infrastructure has faced severe damage. The question of Hezbollah’s future standing remains uncertain; while significantly weakened, it has not been entirely dismantled.

Hezbollah’s dual identity—as both a militia and a political party with substantial representation in Parliament and among Shia Muslims—adds layers of complexity. Its adversaries may seize this moment as an opportunity to curtail its influence, previously dubbed a 'state within a state' in Lebanon.

As tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface, many citizens express concerns that while the ceasefire may quell the external conflict with Israel, the potential for internal strife looms ominously on the horizon. The resilience of Lebanon’s society and political landscape hang precariously in the balance as the nation navigates its uncertain future.