Hezbollah Supporters Protest Lebanese Government Deal With Israel

Hundreds of Hezbollah supporters took to the streets of Beirut on Friday and into Saturday, blocking roads near government buildings and circling central areas on motorcycles. Some burned tires while the Lebanese army set up checkpoints but did not immediately disperse the crowds.

The protests followed Lebanon's signing of a preliminary agreement with Israel and the United States. Demonstrators said the deal legitimizes Israeli occupation of southern territory and grants Israel freedom of movement without a fixed withdrawal schedule.

A Hezbollah leader stated that the agreement gives legitimacy to Israel's occupation for many years and could lead to annexation of land south of the Litani River. He called on Lebanese authorities to retract the deal and said Hezbollah would continue efforts to expel Israeli forces.

The agreement ties Israel's withdrawal to the disarmament of Hezbollah throughout Lebanon. Hezbollah had refused to participate in the Washington-hosted talks and accused Israel of aggression aimed at expanding its borders. The Trump administration and Israel described the framework as historic, noting it seeks to prevent the Lebanon conflict from affecting a broader regional agreement involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.