Fouad Makhzoumi challenges anti-Israel narrative, warning Hezbollah’s intimidation and propaganda are destroying Lebanon from within.
Lebanese Sunni Muslim MP Fouad Makhzoumi sharply rejected claims that Israel is trying to ignite civil war in Lebanon, arguing instead that Hezbollah is the force destabilizing the country and threatening its future.
In a tense interview posted on X, Lebanese-Australian interviewer Mario Nawfal claimed that many people fear Israel benefits from weakening Lebanon and may be trying to provoke internal conflict. Makhzoumi pushed back, saying Lebanon’s current reality is already worse than civil war because Hezbollah operates above the state and undermines national authority.
He accused Hezbollah of revolting against the government, intimidating opponents and creating conditions that have devastated Lebanon’s economy, security and tourism. Makhzoumi pointed to mass displacement, inaccessible villages and the collapse of tourism revenues as evidence that Hezbollah’s armed dominance has brought deep national damage.
When Nawfal insisted that Israel wants civil war, Makhzoumi argued that Hezbollah-linked messaging is the real source of fear. He said Hezbollah’s media ecosystem repeatedly warns that any challenge to its weapons, influence or political control will trigger civil war.
Asked whether Israel seeks to occupy Lebanon, Makhzoumi said he was only referring to public statements, noting that Israeli leaders have said they have no long-term intention to occupy Lebanon. He added that democratic systems allow governments to change through elections, unlike armed factions that impose their will by force.
Makhzoumi concluded by calling for clearer communication and a reasonable agreement, while making clear that Lebanon’s crisis cannot be solved as long as Hezbollah continues to threaten the state from within.Lebanese Sunni Muslim MP Fouad Makhzoumi sharply rejected claims that Israel is trying to ignite civil war in Lebanon, arguing instead that Hezbollah is the force destabilizing the country and threatening its future.
In a tense interview posted on X, Lebanese-Australian interviewer Mario Nawfal claimed that many people fear Israel benefits from weakening Lebanon and may be trying to provoke internal conflict. Makhzoumi pushed back, saying Lebanon’s current reality is already worse than civil war because Hezbollah operates above the state and undermines national authority.
He accused Hezbollah of revolting against the government, intimidating opponents and creating conditions that have devastated Lebanon’s economy, security and tourism. Makhzoumi pointed to mass displacement, inaccessible villages and the collapse of tourism revenues as evidence that Hezbollah’s armed dominance has brought deep national damage.
When Nawfal insisted that Israel wants civil war, Makhzoumi argued that Hezbollah-linked messaging is the real source of fear. He said Hezbollah’s media ecosystem repeatedly warns that any challenge to its weapons, influence or political control will trigger civil war.
Asked whether Israel seeks to occupy Lebanon, Makhzoumi said he was only referring to public statements, noting that Israeli leaders have said they have no long-term intention to occupy Lebanon. He added that democratic systems allow governments to change through elections, unlike armed factions that impose their will by force.
Makhzoumi concluded by calling for clearer communication and a reasonable agreement, while making clear that Lebanon’s crisis cannot be solved as long as Hezbollah continues to threaten the state from within.
