Hezbollah is attempting to recover from the blows it suffered in its war against Israel and is relying on a network of social welfare organizations, such as schools and hospitals, to regain the support of local residents, according to an investigative report published by the Financial Times, based on interviews with over 20 individuals connected to the terrorist organization.
According to the report, Hezbollah's rehabilitation efforts include special committees of engineers appointed to villages in southern Lebanon, which were the hardest hit by Israeli military activity.
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Hezbollah weapons seized by the IDF in Lebanon
(Photo: Maya Alleruzzo/Associated Press)
These committees are tasked with assessing damage to homes and beginning reconstruction efforts. According to Hezbollah’s construction arm, Jihad al-Bina, these committees have already inspected over 270,000 homes. Once the damage assessment process is complete, residents are eligible to receive compensation checks and cash payments, which are distributed through local branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financial arm.
The organization also uses local and neighborhood WhatsApp groups to reconnect with residents and inform them about compensation. For example, an audio message sent to these groups read: "Hello everyone, here are the names of people whose checks have arrived. You can collect them starting tomorrow morning." The message also sought to reassure those not on the list: "To prevent complaints, this only includes checks that have arrived so far."
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Hezbollah-affiliated daily newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that the terrorist group has already distributed compensation totaling $400 million to approximately 140,000 people. For example, individuals whose homes were completely destroyed receive between $12,000 and $14,000, intended to cover one year of rent for an alternative home and to purchase new furniture. Hezbollah also provides medical care for affected residents.
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Men gesture as one of them carries a Hezbollah flag and a picture depicting slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut
(Photo: Mohamed Azakir / Reuters)
However, some have complained that the process is often slow and inadequate in estimating property values. A resident of Baalbek named Ahmed told the Financial Times that his apartment was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes targeting the lower floors of his building, which had been rented to Hezbollah commanders. Although he estimated the damage at no less than $10,000, he received only $2,500 in compensation.
"We’re still living in the same house, trying to repair what we can on our own. But it’s hard—we don’t even have running water," he said. "We don’t trust the state. We hate the political parties, and the parties have made us hate the country." Another individual reported rejecting a check for $905, claiming the sum was far too small.
Residents have also complained that Hezbollah has put up bureaucratic hurdles, such as demanding receipts and car registration documents, making it difficult to claim compensation. Some speculate this is an intentional attempt to discourage people from completing the process, hoping many will simply give up.
Hezbollah said it is working "day and night" and reviews compensation claims when complaints arise, insisting, "Everyone will get what they deserve."
Given the extent of the damage, Hezbollah may not be able to fully cover all reconstruction efforts. According to World Bank estimates, the war caused physical damage valued at $3.4 billion.
Still, Hezbollah has no intention of disappearing and continues to work to satisfy its residents and supporters. "Militarily, they’re finished," said Hussein Hamaldin, an official in the town of Sarifa near the border. "They need time, but they have institutions to help them."