Social media uproar: Hezbollah and Amal supporters trample and burn LF flag

A video circulating since Tuesday shows Hezbollah and Amal Movement supporters trampling on a Lebanese Forces (LF) flag, is sparking controversy on social media. In the 20-second clip, a group of men holding Hezbollah and Amal Movement flags gather around an LF flag, stomping on it while chanting “Shiites! Shiites!” and “Samir Geagea [leader of the LF] is a Zionist.” One man then set the flag on fire.

The video's release, which some internet users claim was filmed in Beirut, has triggered a wave of criticism. L’Orient Today was unable to verify the exact location and date of the incident, or whether it was taken recently or not. When contacted, the Internal Security Forces (ISF) were unavailable for comment.

“Their flag is Iran’s. They are loyal only to Iran, and they are the real threat to Lebanon’s security and its people. We must remain vigilant,” wrote one user on X. “They trampled on a piece of cloth, thinking they were heroes, while their leaders have been crushed,” commented another. “Did they think the cedar was a vine leaf?” mocked another user, referring to the LF emblem, which features the Lebanese cedar. Meanwhile, a supporter of the tandem responded, “If you think Amal and Hezbollah are finished, show us how strong you are and form a government without them.”

The formation of Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam’s government remains stalled, mainly due to the tandem’s insistence on securing the Finance Ministry. Several media outlets reported Monday night that Salam had agreed to appoint Yassine Jaber, a former Berri-aligned MP from Nabatieh, to this key ministry. The announcement sparked back lash among opposition and protest groups, who view it as a victory for the tandem over the ruling Aoun-Salam duo.

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Cornered, Hezbollah raises its last card: the street

“Threat to public stability”

Another controversial incident involving Hezbollah and Amal supporters took place Sunday night. To celebrate the return of displaced residents to southern Lebanon, party supporters staged a motorcade in Beirut, riding mopeds through predominantly Christian neighborhoods while brandishing weapons, partisan flags and provocative slogans. The parade passed through Furn al-Shubbak, Ain al-Remmaneh, Gouraud Street in Gemmayzeh and Hazmieh, according to videos shared on social media.

On Wednesday, the Amal Movement issued a directive prohibiting participation in any “provocative popular movements,” calling such demonstrations a “threat to public stability” and warning that violators could face “organizational consequences, including expulsion from the movement.” Hezbollah has not officially commented on the incident.