This is significant. Hezbollah, of course, is an armed group whose power ultimately rests on violence. But despite this, the group has largely relied on its political assets
for cover in resisting
pressure to disarm from the Lebanese state and the international community.
With Berri’s latest turn, such cover might weaken, isolating Hezbollah
at the worst possible time. This might embolden enemies seeking to dissolve its militia, most notably the Lebanese prime minister and president. Indeed, the Lebanese military has already reportedly
begun an unprecedented campaign to arrest Hezbollah members after the government decision to ban its arms. This progress is fragile, but meaningful.
Berri, a
lawyer by training, is Lebanon’s longest-serving official. He has been speaker of parliament for 34 years and shows no sign of stopping despite being 88 years old. Although he is the ultimate establishment politician, Berri has a colorful past as a member and later commander of the
Amal militia, a militant Shiite group that focused on fighting Israel in addition to empowering Lebanese Shiites.