Hezbollah activists demonstrated overnight in Beirut against the Lebanon-Israel agreement, blocking roads with burning tires. The Lebanese army later dispersed the protests, according to reports.
By 21:20 Saturday, the Lebanese army had dispersed Hezbollah activists in Beirut who had blocked roads with burning tires overnight, clearing the blockades and restoring traffic. The action marks the latest turn in a cycle of protests and state security responses that have unfolded since the framework agreement was signed earlier today in Washington.
Hezbollah's rejection of the deal was swift: at 20:33 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Naim Qassem, the group's secretary-general, declared the accord "void" and called for its cancellation. Minutes later, versions 2 and 3 of the thread noted that clashes broke out in Beirut between hundreds of Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese security forces, with a Hezbollah lawmaker asserting that the agreement only "serves the interests" of Israel. The initial report at 20:33 established the timeline, citing Qassem's announcement that Hezbollah rejects the deal — a position the Lebanese government had supported.
As The Zioneer reported earlier this week (Thu Jun 25, 12:19 Jerusalem), a poll found that 56% of Israelis support military action against Hezbollah even at the risk of a wider confrontation with Iran. That sentiment, alongside a broader pattern of public skepticism toward ceasefires with Hezbollah (79% expressing no trust in such arrangements, per the same survey), provides context for the divergent expectations on the two sides of the border.
No injuries or arrests in the overnight protest have been reported. It remains unclear whether the army dispersal marks a de-escalation or will trigger further unrest, and whether additional Hezbollah-led demonstrations are planned.
5 developments
- DevelopingHezbollah supporters block Beirut government district, airport road in renewed protest
- DevelopingHezbollah supporters block Dahieh bridge again in renewed protest of Lebanon-Israel deal
- StrongLebanese army uses batons, tear gas to disperse Hezbollah protesters blocking roads
- StrongVideo shows armed Hezbollah operative at Beirut protests
Source and signal
- Internal intake