Lebanese Perspectives on Israeli Policies: Insights from a Shi'ia Muslim Community

Profiles and interviews of Shi’ia Muslims from Lebanon reveal deep-seated resentment and opposition towards Israeli policies, rooted not just in the actions of Hezbollah but in a historical trauma that predates the rise of the group.

Public Reactions: A Microcosm of Bitterness

Comments gleaned from public social media threads and street interactions highlight an almost unrestrained hatred towards Israel. Phrases frequently include:

ldquo;Those filthy murdering Zionists! KILL THEM—KILL EVERY ONE OF THEM!rdquo;

However, these sentiments are not a blanket stance representing the entirety of Lebanon's diverse population. When discussing opinions among Shi’ia Muslims within the South Lebanese community and beyond, a nuanced perspective emerges.

Private Reflections: Deeper Understanding of Persecution

Interviews with Shi’ia Muslims reveal private sentiments that run deeper than the public angry diatribes. Personal accounts reveal:

ldquo;WIPE, WIPE, WIPE THEM OUT/EVERY LAST MULLAH/BOOMITY-BOOM BANGITY-BANG/SEND THEM TO ALLAH!rdquo;

ldquo;Israel is to blame for the atrocities committed during the 2006 war, and the fighting that preceded it. They don’t remember that South Lebanon is our historical homeland.rdquo;

Historical Trauma and Secular vs. Religious Divides

Within the context of South Lebanon, opinions are not limited to those who align with Hezbollah. Shi’ia who are secular or religious, those who hate Hezbollah or those who have differing political opinions still share a common antipathy towards Israel. Speaking from firsthand experience, one resident contextualizes:

The impact of Israeli policies is a shared experience. Israel’s actions under the guise of security and post-war reconstruction have left deep scars, affecting generations of South Lebanon.

Political Manipulation and Regional Tensions

Historical intricacies of Middle Eastern politics further complicate the situation. The presence of Syria in Lebanon, while not immaterial, has been heavily politicized:

Syria was invited by Christian factions to use its influence against other Christian factions...

Decision-making during the presence of Syria was not wholly centralized, with local interests sometimes diverging from the decisions of the Syrian president. As the Christian factions realigned their allegiances, the dynamics changed:

When Syria stopped aligning with these factions, its role began to decline, and people in Lebanon started speaking out against it.

Despite this, Israeli brutality stands tall in the memory of South Lebanon. Comparisons to the Syrian presence do little to diminish the severity of Israeli aggression:

Israel was more brutal than Syria. We in South Lebanon tried both... Israel laid siege to my village and prevented any kind of basic materials to enter, trapping us with limited access to the outside world.

The legacy of this occupation is evident in the daily struggles faced by local residents, including:

Severe persecution of local villages Depopulation of entire villages by force Territorial annexation attempts Severe restrictions on basic living materials and services Enduring landmines that continue to cause casualties

Conclusion

While the sentiments of those who dislike Israeli policies are nuanced and not simply attributed to Hezbollah, the harsh realities of the Israeli occupation in South Lebanon remain a constant. The trauma inflicted on local residents cannot be forgotten, and it continues to shape the views of Shi’ia Muslims across Lebanon.