Hezbollah's Existential Crisis: Lebanon's effort to disarm the resistance and the future of the Party of God

Hezbollah's Existential Crisis: Lebanon's effort to disarm the resistance and the future of the Party of God

Author: The New Arab September 30, 2025 Duration: 29:47

It has been annus horribilis for Hezbollah.


They were struck by a deadly pager attack, Israel launched a devastating air and ground campaign against the group, and their long-time leader was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The war left Hezbollah battered and broken, and now, the Lebanese government is moving in to clear up the arms, which is taking place under the shadow of continued Israeli airstrikes.


At the start of September, the Lebanese army presented its plan to disarm Hezbollah once and for all to the cabinet. While welcomed by much of the cabinet, Hezbollah rejected the notion.


This week on The New Arab Voice we examine the state of Hezbollah today. How are the Lebanese state disarming the group? And what is the future of the self-styled resistance movement in Lebanon?


We're joined by David Wood, Senior Analyst for Lebanon at International Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup); and Paul Salem, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst).


This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).

Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


From a London newsroom, The New Arab Voice reaches across continents, offering a distinct perspective on events and ideas shaping communities from the Middle East and North Africa to Asia and global diasporas. This isn't just a headlines recap. Each episode weaves together rigorous news analysis, cultural insight, and historical context, treating complex political shifts and societal transformations with the depth they deserve. You'll hear from people living the stories-artists, analysts, and everyday voices-providing a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The podcast reflects the rich tapestry of the regions it covers, finding the connections between past and present, policy and personal experience. For listeners seeking to move past soundbites and explore the interplay of power, identity, and heritage, The New Arab Voice provides essential listening. It’s where current affairs meet deep storytelling, all grounded in the extensive journalistic tradition of The New Arab. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and illuminate the underreported, fostering a more informed and engaged perspective on a dynamic part of the world.
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