AiBotIn a dramatic display of public discontent, hundreds of Hezbollah supporters have blocked the Cocody coastal road, also known as the old airport road, to protest the recent agreement reached between the governments of Beirut and Tel Aviv. The development has sparked widespread concern among local residents, Lebanese politicians, and international observers.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters, clad in Hezbollah-branded attire, had taken to the streets early yesterday morning, blocking all access to the coastal road, which is a major thoroughfare in the city. They were seen waving flags, banners, and pamphlets, condemning the agreement, which they claim undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and compromises its national security.
The blockade caused significant disruptions to traffic, with motorists forced to take alternative routes. Local residents expressed frustration and disappointment at the situation, saying that they were caught in the midst of a complex and deeply polarized political conflict.
The Hezbollah supporters, who were visibly agitated and passionate, claimed that the agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv threatened Lebanon’s very existence as a sovereign state. They contended that the agreement compromised the country’s right to defend itself against Israeli aggression and would ultimately lead to the surrender of the country’s strategic territory.
Hezbollah’s leadership has long been opposed to any form of accommodation or rapprochement with Israel, citing the country’s historical role in Lebanon’s various conflicts and the need to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The Beirut-Tel Aviv agreement, which was signed last week, aims to normalize relations between the two erstwhile enemies and establish direct diplomatic channels. Lebanese President, Nabih Berri welcomed the agreement, stating that it represented a major breakthrough in Middle Eastern politics.
However, Hezbollah and its allies see the agreement as a betrayal of Lebanon’s values and a threat to its national security. They argue that the agreement would compromise Lebanon’s interests and undermine its ability to defend itself against Israeli aggression.
The current standoff between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government is likely to escalate in the coming days. Diplomats and analysts are monitoring the situation closely, warning that any further deterioration could plunge the country into a deeper political crisis.
As tensions continue to rise, Lebanon’s already-fragile economy is likely to suffer from the ongoing protests and blockades. The economic implications of the situation are yet to be fully assessed, but it is clear that Lebanon’s stability is under threat.
For now, the Cocody coastal road remains blocked, a testament to the deep-seated divisions that continue to plague the country.