Hezbollah has begun quietly distributing humanitarian aid in Shiite-majority villages in northern Lebanon, in what appears to be contingency planning for a potential war with Israel, amid reports of dissatisfaction in Washington and Tel Aviv over Lebanon’s official response to a recent U.S. mediation proposal.

According to Nidaa al-Watan, the group has delivered field supplies, including mattresses, blankets, and medications, to villages such as Habshit and Qarha in Akkar, and Bahboush, Bnehran, and Zgharta al-Metawleh in the Koura highlands. Eyewitnesses reported seeing dozens of pickup trucks and delivery vans transporting aid to warehouses and localities with significant Shiite populations in the North.

The move comes against the backdrop of growing speculation that hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel could resume in August. Concerns escalated following suggestions that the U.S. and Israel were unhappy with Lebanon’s feedback on a proposal from American envoy Tom Barrack, which reportedly includes provisions related to Hezbollah’s disarmament north of the Litani River.

Hezbollah has also approached municipal officials in Akkar to explore the possibility of setting up shelter centers for displaced civilians in case of war. However, the response has been mixed. Sunni-majority municipalities expressed reluctance, arguing that the issue should be addressed only when an actual emergency arises and in accordance with directives from official state authorities. Meanwhile, Alawite-majority municipalities cited an existing burden, noting that many of them are still hosting Syrian refugees who fled earlier conflict in coastal areas.

Sources also revealed that Hezbollah has activated four logistical warehouses in Miniyeh, Batroun, Akkar, and Jbeil. Some of these facilities were previously used during the 2006 war to store and distribute aid. In addition, the group has set up a secret operations room headed by Hassan al-Moqdad, Hezbollah’s public relations chief in Mount Lebanon and the North. The room includes party officials and affiliated clerics and has already held two meetings to discuss scenarios such as a potential refusal by the Lebanese state to authorize the use of public schools as emergency shelters.

Hezbollah-affiliated charity “Wa Taawano,” led by Afif Shouman, has also been mobilizing in several northern districts, coordinating with local religious and political allies to prepare for a potential wave of displacement.

In the North, growing unease is palpable. Residents fear that displaced populations may become targets themselves, especially if Israel suspects they are connected to Hezbollah. Local municipalities worry that landlords may rent homes to exploit the situation for profit. 

In the eastern Bekaa Valley, especially in Baalbek-Hermel, anxiety is rising as well. The region is considered a strategic depth for Hezbollah’s military operations and is home to part of its rocket arsenal, making it a likely target in any future conflict with Israel.

Preparations in Baalbek-Hermel are being carried out quietly but with increasing urgency. Villages that were heavily bombed during the 2006 war or lie along possible backline positions are seeing renewed activity. Residents, resigned to the threat of war, are taking precautionary measures: some are arranging alternate housing outside the region, while others are stockpiling food and medicine in what many call their “war pantry.”