Tarek Mazraani — a living example of how Hezbollah’s activity and refusal to disarm affect the ordinary citizen in southern Lebanon.
Mazraani, an engineer by profession, was born in the village of Houla. He does not publicly belong to any party or organization and even opposes such affiliations. He was well-liked within the community, advocating for secularism and non-violence. Due to the war, he relocated with his family to Zawtar el-Charqiyeh in the Nabatieh area and tried to act publicly with the Lebanese government to promote the reconstruction of southern Lebanon. However, the reconstruction has been delayed due to a lack of external financial resources—largely because Hezbollah refuses to disarm and continues its activities in southern Lebanon.
Mazraani, an engineer by profession, thought he would find employment as part of the state-led civil reconstruction efforts. However, the money never came, and there was no work. Under financial pressure, Mazraani was tempted to “switch sides.” His economic hardship pushed him into a corner, and he reached out to Hezbollah’s Jihad al-Binaa organization seeking employment. The temptation came at a heavy price. Mazraani received a warning message, and the local community around him made it clear that he had to leave because he was endangering them. The building where he lived was completely vacated out of fear. Mazraani eventually left with his family for Beirut, where Nabih Berri, the leader of the Amal Movement, was quick to “embrace” him — a gesture that implicitly criticized Hezbollah.
The Lebanese right to rebuild civilian infrastructure does not truly exist as long as it serves as a cover and foundation for Hezbollah’s military reconstruction. From an Israeli standpoint, it is in Israel’s interest to target any reconstruction activity connected to Hezbollah’s rebuilding efforts, as well as anyone involved in such efforts — even if, on the surface (and as a false appearance), it seems to be a civilian action or a civilian role.
It is highly desirable that within Lebanon — and within the international community — a clear distinction be made between genuine civilian actors and those who merely appear to be so.
One Response
Dear Tal,
The ayatollah and hezbollah strategy holds the population captive both through terrorism and economic coercion. Israel and the USA must work more comprehensively on both fronts. Money for terror must be identified, traced, tracked and all sources eliminated starting with Iran, Qatar and Turkey. The muslim brotherhood must be identified as a terrorist entity and be prosecuted as such. We must learn the lessons of October 7, not repeat them.