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Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-829555
Lebanon Fighting Is Destabilizing Hizbullah
(Jerusalem Post) Shaked Sadeh - In an interview, Prof. Amatzia Baram described how the recent military actions carried out by the IDF in Lebanon have destabilized Hizbullah. "For the first time, we are seeing significant cracks in Hizbullah's support base," he said. Due to the fighting in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and the Dahieh district in Beirut, "Shiite refugees are seeking shelter in other parts of Lebanon...moving to areas where Druze, Sunnis, and Christians are the majority, where they are not welcomed. The local residents view the Shiites and Hizbullah as the main culprits behind this war and the dire state of the country....They believe that Hizbullah is fighting for Gaza, not for Lebanon." For the first time, the Free Patriotic Movement, a key partner in Hizbullah's coalition, announced its withdrawal. "The Free Patriotic Movement, a Christian Maronite party led by Gebran Bassil, had supported Hizbullah for many years. Four days ago, Bassil publicly stated: 'Hizbullah can no longer claim it is defending Lebanon. Opening a front because of Gaza is not done to defend Lebanon.'"