Following the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, a wave of dissent is emerging within the Shiite community, long considered Hezbollah’s core support base. As the scale of devastation from the recent conflict becomes clearer, a significant number of residents, including expatriates, are filing lawsuits against Hezbollah, accusing the group of putting civilian lives and property at risk through its military tactics, Nidaa Al-Watan revealed on Monday.

These legal actions, unprecedented in a community where fear and loyalty have historically silenced opposition, claim that Hezbollah stored weapons and ammunition beneath residential buildings and tunneled beneath towns without informing local residents. These activities allegedly turned civilian areas into targets during the conflict, leading to widespread destruction.

Despite the courage of these legal challenges, many lawsuits face an uphill battle due to Hezbollah’s influence over parts of Lebanon’s judiciary. Most cases filed in southern courts have been dismissed, with judges claiming a lack of jurisdiction. However, residents, supported by legal experts, are preparing to escalate their complaints to public prosecutors.

The lawsuits’ outcomes remain uncertain, but they signify a growing willingness within Hezbollah’s support base to voice grievances. The destruction caused by the recent war has left southern communities reeling, with no meaningful compensation in sight. Even promises from Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem have been criticized as symbolic and inadequate, reflecting the group’s current financial struggles.

Hezbollah’s ability to provide reconstruction aid has diminished significantly compared to the aftermath of the 2006 war. In a recent address, Qassem emphasized that rebuilding is the responsibility of the state, supported by international allies, but made no mention of financial assistance from Iran. This omission is starkly different from 2006, when Iranian support played a key role in reconstruction efforts.

With Lebanon’s government effectively bankrupt, reconstruction aid appears unlikely without significant political changes, including the disarmament of non-state groups. This shift in narrative has fueled discontent among Hezbollah’s supporters, who question the group’s ability to deliver on its promises.

Adding to Hezbollah’s challenges are internal concerns about its financial operations. Since its inception, the group has relied on unconventional methods to safeguard its assets, including registering businesses and properties under the names of trusted individuals. During Lebanon’s financial collapse, Hezbollah expanded its portfolio, acquiring various businesses, factories, and real estate. While some of these holdings are publicly known, most remain hidden.

There is growing apprehension within Hezbollah’s ranks that these individuals may refuse to return these assets if they perceive the group’s leadership as weakened, particularly in the event of a leadership crisis. Such a scenario could further destabilize the organization’s financial foundation.

Hezbollah’s troubles are compounded by the collapse of the Syrian regime, which has long served as a logistical and financial lifeline. Syria was a hub for smuggling and producing captagon, a trade that reportedly generated billions of dollars annually for the Syrian regime and Hezbollah. The loss of this vital network has significantly strained Hezbollah’s resources.

The lawsuits, coupled with mounting financial and political pressures, suggest that Hezbollah is facing a moment of reckoning. As the group’s support base grows increasingly disillusioned, its ability to maintain dominance in the south is being called into question. For many, these legal challenges mark a significant step toward breaking the silence and holding Hezbollah accountable for the consequences of its actions.

Whether these efforts succeed in court or not, they represent a pivotal shift in the dynamics of power and fear in southern Lebanon.