How the US can help Lebanon move past Hezbollah

As Israel continues to bombard Lebanon and target the remaining Hezbollah leaders, the prospect of a cease-fire remains elusive and the urgency for a strategic response grows ever more pressing. Amid this ongoing conflict, a unique opportunity is emerging for the U.S. to shape the future and put an end to the cycle of violence in Lebanon.

As David Ignatius highlighted last week, the U.S.-supported Lebanese Armed Forces have demonstrated their ability to maintain stability, earned the trust of the supermajority of Lebanese and could serve as a unifying force for the country — provided they receive the necessary support and authority.

This presents a crucial moment for the U.S. With greater funding and support, Lebanon’s Armed Forces can fill the void left by Hezbollah’s demise and pave the way for a secure and sovereign Lebanon.

The recent collapse of Hezbollah’s mythos marks the end of an era of fear that has long gripped Lebanon. The militant group’s diminished power and credibility is a rare opportunity for Lebanese citizens to envision a future free from intimidation and violence. Lingering fear instilled by Hezbollah has kept many Lebanese from speaking out against its dominance, but the tides are changing. As citizens begin to recognize this new reality, the potential for a new political landscape is emerging — one where the Lebanese Armed Forces can restore order and stability without Hezbollah’s overshadowing presence.

However, the current ruling class in Lebanon must overcome its own Stockholm syndrome, wherein they have come to identify with their captors, finding comfort in the status quo. Those who are not trapped by this dynamic must also reassess their priorities. They need to stop putting their interests — previously protected by Hezbollah — above the needs of the country. The path forward requires a commitment to national unity and a willingness to break free from the constraints of fear and dependence.

For this opportunity to materialize, decisive actions must be taken by the Lebanese themselves — the U.S., Europe and the Arab world will help only after the Lebanese help themselves. Here are four essential steps that need to be prioritized:

First, Lebanon must elect a president not beholden to Iran. The absence of a president for the past two years has paralyzed the Lebanese political landscape, contributing to the governance crisis. An elected leader is vital to restore legitimacy, unify diverse political factions and provide a stable vision for the country’s recovery.

Second, an emergency government must be established to address the immediate needs of the Lebanese people. This government should focus on crisis management, economic reforms and rebuilding trust in public institutions.

Third, Lebanon must decouple from Gaza. The country’s connection to the ongoing conflict in Gaza guarantees continuous war with Israel. The new government must detach from this conflict to pursue a peaceful, independent path forward.

Finally, the government must delegitimize Hezbollah’s resistance status and arms. Hezbollah has long used its self-proclaimed status as a “resistance” movement to justify its armed presence and political influence. The new government must challenge this narrative and reintegrate the group into the political sphere, making it accountable to the state rather than to Iranian interests.

In addition to these steps, Lebanon must strive to regain its standing in the Arab world — shifting away from its “alliance” with Iran. This will require diplomatic engagement and a commitment to sovereignty and independence, ultimately resulting in an economic recovery.

The challenges ahead are formidable, but the path to a renewed Lebanon is within reach. It demands a concerted effort from the Lebanese people and their leaders, supported by the international community, particularly the U.S. By taking these steps, Lebanon can reclaim its identity and chart a course toward lasting peace and prosperity.

Now is the time for action, for Lebanon’s future hinges on the choices the Lebanese and America make today.

David Ramadan, Ed.D. is a Lebanese-American who was elected and served in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is a professor of practice at the Schar School at George Mason University and a scholar at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.