U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has placed Hezbollah at the heart of the long-running tensions between Israel and Lebanon.

Speaking publicly, Rubio said the conflict is often misunderstood as a dispute between two nations rather than a confrontation involving a powerful non-state actor operating within Lebanon.

“The problem with Israel and Lebanon is not Israel or Lebanon, it’s Hezbollah,” Rubio said to reporters, emphasizing that the group’s presence complicates relations between the neighboring countries.

Founded in the 1980s, Hezbollah is both a political party and an armed militant organization. It holds significant influence in Lebanese politics while maintaining an independent military structure, something critics say undermines the authority of the Lebanese state.

Cross-Border Attacks and Civilian Impact

Hezbollah has engaged in periodic cross-border attacks against Israel, including rocket fire and other military operations, particularly during times of heightened regional conflict.

Israel, in turn, has responded with airstrikes and military action targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

This cycle of violence has had serious consequences for civilians on both sides. Northern Israeli communities have faced displacement and infrastructure damage, while southern Lebanon has experienced destruction, loss of life, and economic strain.

Rubio noted that Hezbollah’s actions not only target Israel but also harm Lebanese citizens. “They terrorize and attack Israelis, but they also are inflicting tremendous damage on the Lebanese people,” he said.

International organizations have repeatedly warned about the humanitarian and economic toll of such conflicts.

Lebanon, already grappling with a severe economic crisis since 2019, faces additional pressure from recurring instability linked to armed conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that the core issue in Israel-Lebanon relations stems from Hezbollah’s operations within Lebanese territory. The group launches attacks against Israel while imposing significant costs on Lebanese civilians, economy, and sovereignty.

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Recent diplomatic talks hosted by Rubio reflect shared goals of reducing Hezbollah’s influence, backed by polls showing broad Lebanese support for the state army holding a monopoly on weapons.

Hezbollah’s Dual Role

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated a clear position on the Israel-Lebanon dynamic during recent diplomatic engagements: the primary obstacle is Hezbollah, not the states themselves.

“Israel’s problem is with Hezbollah. Unfortunately, Hezbollah happens to be inside of Lebanon conducting attacks against Israel,” Rubio stated. He added that both Israelis and Lebanese are victims of the group.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia militant organization and political party, has maintained a strong military presence in southern Lebanon and other areas, operating parallel to the Lebanese state.

This setup has enabled cross-border attacks on Israel while entrenching influence that many Lebanese view as detrimental to national sovereignty.

Decades of Cross-Border Conflict and Civilian Toll

Since October 2023, Hezbollah’s rocket and drone barrages into northern Israel, often in solidarity with Hamas, have caused deaths, injuries, and widespread damage. Israeli data indicates thousands of buildings affected and significant agricultural and environmental harm.

In response, Israeli operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, resulting in substantial Lebanese casualties, displacement exceeding 1 million people at peaks, and billions in economic losses.

The cycle has inflicted “tremendous damage on the Lebanese people,” as Rubio noted. The World Bank and UNDP have estimated major infrastructure destruction, with tens of thousands of housing units damaged or destroyed, alongside impacts on water facilities and public services.

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 Lebanon’s fragile post-2019 economic recovery faced further setbacks from renewed fighting in 2026.

Lebanese Sentiment and Push for Disarmament

Polls reflect widespread desire among Lebanese for the state to reclaim control. A Gallup survey found 79% of Lebanese believe only the army should hold weapons, with strong majorities across most sects supporting this, though support is lower among Shia communities. A large majority also opposes direct conflict with Israel in support of Palestinians.

Lebanese government representatives have engaged in historic direct talks with Israel in Washington, mediated by Rubio in April 2026, the first in decades. Discussions focused on security, Hezbollah disarmament, and long-term stability. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter noted alignment on ending Hezbollah’s occupation-like influence.

“Both the Lebanese and the Israelis seek peace. They are both victims of Hezbollah,” Rubio said, highlighting the unique nature of the conflict where the two states are not inherently at war.