Laith Marouf: Hezbollah’s OFFICIAL Stance on US-Iran MoU while While Striking Israel back

Hezbollah views the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a clear victory for the 'axis of resistance.' This agreement is seen as cementing Iran's expanded military power and protection over Lebanon, leading Lebanese politicians to seek reconciliation with Iran after perceived collaboration with the U.S. and Israel.

Laith Marouf states, 'Hezbollah sees this as a victory for the axis of resistance. It's a right now, we see even politicians in Lebanon lining up outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut to basically ask for forgiveness for their collaboration with the Americans and the Israelis in the destruction of Lebanon. It is now a fact that Iran has extended its military power and its protection to the Lebanese people and Lebanon as a whole.'

The Israeli military is described as being in a 'really bad situation' in Southern Lebanon, having fallen into ambushes and suffering destroyed machinery. If Israel continues its attacks and violations of the ceasefire, Iran is expected to directly intervene and punish the 'rogue regime.'

Marouf notes, 'The Israeli military is in a really bad situation. And as we heard yesterday from the Iranian officials, if the Israelis don't stop their attacks in Lebanon, their violations of the memorandum of agreement and ceasefire, there will be a punishment for these rogue regime and its military.' He later adds, 'Everybody is expecting Iran to punish the Israelis if they continue with these violations of the memorandum of agreement.'

Israeli attacks have caused significant damage to Southern Lebanese cities and villages. Tyre (Sour) has seen approximately 20% of its residential buildings damaged or destroyed, while Nabatieh, a commercial hub, has about 10% damage. Frontline villages are expected to face total destruction.

Marouf reports, 'Around 20% of the city [Tyre] has been damaged or destroyed... in terms of Nabatieh... I would say more like 10% because the attacks in the south of Lebanon around the Nabatieh region have been concentrated on the villages outside Nabatieh.' He adds, 'It is expected when people go back to the second-line villages in the south of Lebanon, they'll see total destruction.'

Iran's perceived victory in the conflict has 'flipped the whole power dynamics' in the Middle East, shattering Israeli illusions of regional dominance. Iran is now seen as having the right to set the political tone, leading to a new regional order where former U.S. and Israeli 'vassals' must 'readjust' to Iran's power.

Marouf asserts, 'This war and Iran's victory in this war have flipped the whole power dynamics in the region. All those dreams and illusions that the Israelis had about being a chosen people and being a superpower... are in tatters. Iran with this victory has the right to set the tone of politics in the region.' He later states, 'The sheriff of the region is Iran without any interference of the United States or Israel.'

The new regional power balance will trigger a significant internal political restructuring in Lebanon. Hezbollah and patriotic parties will not tolerate a return to previous power-sharing agreements. The current president and prime minister are expected to resign and leave the country, followed by electoral system changes to ensure more representative governance and potentially end sectarianism.

Marouf predicts, 'There is going to be a reckoning. Hezbollah and the patriotic parties in the Lebanon will not allow a return to the Taif agreement... The president and the prime minister will be ousted... there will be a new balance of power in Lebanon, and the winning party will be the one that sets it.' He also mentions, 'Lebanon has a chance to end the sectarian electoral system.'

A key constitutional change expected in Lebanon is the prohibition of dual citizenship for parliamentary members, the prime minister, and the president. This is aimed at ensuring undivided loyalty to the country, mirroring practices in many Western nations.

Marouf states, 'I think that will be definitely one of the top priorities because as we know, all of the Western countries, you cannot run for parliament, you cannot run for president or prime minister positions if you have a dual citizenship.' He emphasizes, 'You cannot have dual loyalties in such a position.'

Despite former President Trump's suggestion for Al-Julani (Syria) to deal with Hezbollah, Al-Julani's forces are not in a position to attack Lebanon. Their capabilities are limited, and their focus is on internal Syrian conflicts and normalizing relations with Lebanon, rather than opening a new front.

Marouf explains, 'Al-Julani is left with a very small core of his fighters that are Syrian... al-Julani is unable to govern Syria. And any minute is going to collapse out of his hand. So, there is no possible way for the al-Julani and the military power that he has to attack Lebanon. It will be a suicide mission.' He also notes Al-Julani's speech focused on 'normalizing those relationships' with Lebanon.

Hezbollah's stated goals include the complete liberation of all Lebanese territory, including areas like Shebaa Farms, and the return of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel. The organization also intends to lead the reconstruction of war-damaged areas, anticipating little to no support from the current Lebanese government but significant aid from Iran and international solidarity.

Marouf mentions Hezbollah's goals: 'complete liberation of Lebanese territory' and 'returning of Lebanese prisoners.' He adds, 'Hezbollah will not allow for the Israelis to continue to hold these Lebanese citizens... the fighting will stop in South Lebanon until there's a guarantee that every Lebanese prisoner is released and that Israelis leave every inch of Lebanon.' Regarding reconstruction, he states, 'It was Hezbollah and the generosity of the Iranian people... that donated to help rebuild Lebanon.'