The Saudi newspaper Ahaz writes today that Hezbollah, after the last war, has lost not only its military assets but also its economic ones.
The newspaper defined Hezbollah as a "smuggling organization" in light of recent revelations about attempts to smuggle money for its benefit through Beirut airport.
The newspaper claims that before the war, Hezbollah's control over trade was absolute. The discounted goods came directly from the Beirut port to Dahya, the organization's stronghold in Beirut, and any merchant who wanted to bring goods into Lebanon at a discounted price had to obtain permission from Hezbollah members.
Today, according to Ahaz, the situation is completely different and the one who is hindering the organization's steps is "the Lebanese state and its security institutions, which have begun tightening control over sea, land and air ports."
Therefore, according to the newspaper, it is not surprising that Hezbollah supporters held violent demonstrations last month. Akaz notes that the "economic siege" on Hezbollah, which previously enjoyed a monthly budget of over $100 million, is the terrorist organization's biggest challenge today.
The danger for Lebanon is that at some point this frustration by Hezbollah could turn into violence in the streets.