As Lebanon continues to face political uncertainty, economic challenges, and regional tensions, debates remain focused on state sovereignty, the role of armed groups, and the prospects of meaningful reform.

The election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a new government have raised expectations among some Lebanese. In contrast, others remain sceptical about whether the country is witnessing genuine change or simply a new political discourse.

Activist and politician Rodolph Zgheib expressed his opinion on the situation based on his on-the-ground experience.

He is vice chairman of the European Democrat Students and a member of the International Bureau of the Lebanese Forces Party.

Zgheib has been active in political affairs, diplomacy, and civil society initiatives in Lebanon and Europe, focusing on democracy, governance, security, and international relations.

State authority

Asked whether Lebanon is genuinely moving toward ensuring that arms remain exclusively in the hands of the state, Zgheib described the positions expressed by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as positive but insufficient without concrete action.

"For the first time in many years, we are hearing clear calls for strengthening state institutions, restoring sovereignty, and ensuring that weapons remain exclusively in the hands of the Lebanese state."

Zgheib believes the issue extends beyond political declarations.

He argued that establishing a state monopoly on arms requires institutional reform, political will, and practical measures to enforce state authority across all Lebanese territory.

He maintained that Hezbollah's influence extends beyond its military capabilities and reaches part of what he described as the deep state, including public institutions, administrative bodies, and decision-making structures.

"The rhetoric has changed, but the reality on the ground has not changed enough to convince the Lebanese people that the state is genuinely moving toward reclaiming its exclusive authority over arms."

For Zgheib, the question is no longer whether the correct political discourse exists, but whether Lebanon's leadership is willing and able to translate that discourse into policy.

Consequences of confrontation

On the impact of the confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel, Zgheib said Lebanese citizens are paying the price for a conflict that is none of their doing.

"The Lebanese people are once again paying the price for a conflict that was not their decision and did not serve Lebanon's national interest."

He pointed to displacement, destruction, economic losses, and continued instability among the most immediate consequences.

"Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes because of the conflict."

Beyond the humanitarian and economic costs, Zgheib argued that the confrontation has broader political and security implications.

He believes it has exposed limitations in Hezbollah's position and created new questions regarding Lebanon's future security architecture.

"The state will face the challenge of restoring full sovereignty over its territory, securing borders, strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces, and ensuring that decisions of war and peace remain exclusively within the authority of constitutional institutions.

"The challenge today is how Lebanon will manage the transition that follows and rebuild a sovereign state capable of protecting its citizens, enforcing the rule of law, and guaranteeing that no armed organisation can again operate as a state within the state."

Can reform become reality?

Since the election of President Aoun and the formation of the current government, many Lebanese have spoken of a new political phase. Zgheib, however, remains sceptical.

"The political slogans, speeches, and declarations of the new Lebanese government are excellent. However, they are not enough and, on their own, will not lead to reform, stability, or real change."

While acknowledging the government's discourse, he said Lebanon continues to face many of the same political and institutional challenges.

In his view, the country's future will depend on whether the leadership can turn promises into action.

"Their responsibility is to manage these changes in a way that leads Lebanon toward prosperity, sovereignty, and genuine reform."

Zgheib said foreign partners are primarily looking for security, financial, judicial, and institutional reforms.

"Implementing these reforms requires genuine leadership and political courage."

However, he questioned whether the current leadership could deliver such changes, arguing that Lebanon's challenges extend beyond Hezbollah and touch the political system itself.

"The deeper crisis is not only the existence of an armed group outside the state but also the failure of the political model that has governed Lebanon for decades."

Mismatch

Zgheib rejected the argument made by some critics that the Lebanese Forces and Hezbollah are two sides of the same coin because of their armed histories.

"The Lebanese Forces and Hezbollah are not two sides of the same coin.

"The two organisations differ fundamentally in their origins, objectives, ideology, and relationship with the Lebanese state."

Zgheib argued that the Lebanese Forces emerged from Lebanese society during the civil war and later accepted the Taif agreement, surrendered their weapons, and integrated into democratic political life.

By contrast, he described Hezbollah as an organisation linked to a broader regional project associated with Iran and one that continues to maintain military capabilities outside the authority of the Lebanese state.

"The Lebanese Forces Party seeks influence through elections, political representation, and state institutions. Hezbollah seeks influence through armed power and Iranian influence."

For this reason, he said the two organisations represent fundamentally different political projects and visions for Lebanon's future.

Beyond Hezbollah

Zgheib remains optimistic, believing that most Lebanese support a sovereign state that exercises full authority over security and national decision-making.

However, Lebanon's next major challenge concerns its political system.

"What Lebanon needs is a system designed for Lebanon and for the Lebanese people."

Rather than adopting foreign models, he said Lebanon must develop institutions that reflect its own realities.

"Achieving that will require leaders with vision, courage, and a deep understanding of the country's challenges."

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