The United States and its regional partners will need to consistently increase support for the Lebanese state, including support for the state’s financial, political, and security institutions. Lebanese officials have become increasingly sensitive to the potential risk of disarming Hezbollah outside southern Lebanon since October 2025. Lebanese civilians have been consistently demanding support for the reconstruction of southern Lebanon, something that Hezbollah itself has historically undertaken to do. Continued Israeli strikes in central Lebanon targeting Hezbollah will contrast sharply with a relatively stable southern Lebanon free from Hezbollah and Israeli strikes targeting the group. Many civilians, despite discontent, will likely continue to support Hezbollah because a lot of citizens benefit from the group’s social services.

Source: New York Times February 18, 2026 16:54 UTC