Kathmandu— Residents of the Dahiyeh neighborhood in southwestern Beirut have expressed strong opposition to a US-brokered agreement between Lebanon and Israel that would require the disarmament of Hezbollah, stating they will not trade the group’s weapons for promised reconstruction funds. The area has sustained significant damage from Israeli strikes since the escalation of conflict in 2023, with an estimated $6.8 billion in physical damage resulting from fighting between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah alone. The proposed deal envisions IDF withdrawal followed by Lebanese military oversight of Hezbollah’s disarmament as a condition for international reconstruction aid, but locals view it as unacceptable.

Peace Deal Faces Local Opposition

The recently signed agreement between Lebanon and Israel aims to establish a framework for peace, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. However, residents of Dahiyeh, a stronghold of the group, have voiced strong disapproval. Hezbollah itself has labeled the deal “a surrender” to Israel, warning that any attempts to enforce it could reignite conflict.

Reconstruction Funds Linked to Disarmament

A key component of the US-brokered agreement ties international reconstruction aid to Hezbollah’s disarmament. The World Bank estimates Lebanon's overall reconstruction needs at a minimum of $11 billion following recent Israeli airstrikes and ground invasions. Locals interviewed by RT expressed outrage at the conditionality, suggesting they would prefer to self-fund reconstruction rather than relinquish what they see as vital resistance weaponry.

Residents Defend Hezbollah’s Role

Despite suffering extensive damage from Israeli attacks, residents of Dahiyeh continue to support Hezbollah. One shopkeeper described the agreement as “a humiliation and disgrace” for Lebanon, stating it offered no benefit to the Lebanese state. Another resident challenged the amount of aid being offered, asserting that they would raise funds independently rather than compromise on the group’s arms.

The strong opposition from residents in Dahiyeh suggests significant challenges to implementing the disarmament component of the peace agreement and securing international reconstruction funding.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.