Alain Hakim, a former minister and member of the Kataeb Party politburo, issued a stark warning, asserting that Hezbollah’s alignment with Iranian interests could drive Lebanon into deeper crisis.

“Hezbollah operates based on an Iranian agenda, one that shows little regard for Lebanon’s stability,” Hakim said in an interview with Ici Beyrouth online platform.  “The party shows no willingness to ease tensions and instead pursues escalation policies that only serve Iran’s regional goals.”

Hakim voiced skepticism over the likelihood of an imminent ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, saying the group seems committed to rejecting peaceful resolutions that would protect Lebanon’s stability.

“Hezbollah is treating Lebanon as a bargaining chip for Iran, which essentially dictates its actions,” he added.

On the efforts of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to reduce tensions, Hakim described the latter's mission as "challenging" due to Hezbollah’s intransigence and its apparent readiness to destroy Lebanon in pursuit of Iran’s regional interests. 

"Hezbollah is not only jeopardizing southern Lebanon, but also threatening the entire country in service of Iran’s objectives."

Hakim believes the upcoming U.S. presidential election in 2024 could be pivotal for Lebanon’s position in the broader regional conflict, arguing that Iran views Lebanon as part of its leverage in negotiations with Washington.

"Lebanon’s fate could be contingent upon U.S.-Iranian agreements, a situation that may persist until at least 2025," he noted.

Hakim described the situation in Lebanon as “tragic,” emphasizing that Lebanon is no longer an independent State but rather a battleground for regional conflicts.

"The State is entirely sidelined due to a clear Iranian directive, with Lebanon reduced to a battleground for regional conflicts," he said, addding that Iran’s influence has rendered the Lebanese government ineffective, leaving Lebanon vulnerable and its citizens under immense strain.

Responding to recent statements by Hezbollah’s newly appointed chief Naim Qassem, who suggested the possibility of negotiations under certain “terms,” Hakim argued that the group's rhetoric does not reflect a genuine intent for dialogue but rather an attempt to impose its own agenda on the Lebanese State.

“Hezbollah is ready to sacrifice national stability to achieve its regional goals,” he added.

Hakim further warned that Qassem’s emphasis on a “unified front” signals Hezbollah’s potential intention to drag Lebanon into larger conflicts that do not serve the national interest.

“Resistance should serve as a defense for Lebanon, not as an instrument aimed at serving foreign agendas,” Hakim said.

Lebanon’s fragile economy, already struggling under the weight of soaring inflation and widespread poverty, faces further threats from the conflict. Hakim noted the staggering costs associated with Hezbollah’s actions, pointing to the severe toll on Lebanon’s tourism and agriculture sectors. 

"The cost of the conflict is immense, with severe hits to the tourism and agriculture sectorsn" he pointed out, adding that "the reconstruction costs could exceed $17 billion, adding to the economic burden on a state already facing a severe financial crisis.

"The current situation directly threatens Lebanese citizens, who are facing sharp increases in the cost of living, declining purchasing power, as well as rising poverty and unemployment rates."

Regarding the government’s performance, Hakim argued that the current administration is facing unprecedented challenges while remaining constrained by decisions made outside its jurisdiction.

“The government’s failure to take meaningful action is pushing Lebanon to the brink,” he said, warning that continued inaction could have catastrophic consequences.

Hakim concluded by calling for the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty and independence, away from Hezbollah’s dominance and Iran’s control.

“International support is crucial, but Lebanon’s future ultimately depends on the country’s own resolve to break free from regional domination,” he said. “Without genuine internal commitment, the Lebanese people will continue to pay the price."