Plans by Hezbollah to illuminate Beirut’s iconic Raouche Rock later this month with images of slain leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine have triggered sharp political controversy, with opponents calling the move provocative and a threat to the unity of the Lebanese capital.
Hezbollah announced on Tuesday that it would launch commemorations for the first anniversary of the assassinations of Nasrallah and Safieddine under the slogan "We remain committed to the pledge".
The programme of events is set to begin on 25 September and continue until 12 October.
Ali Daher, head of Hezbollah’s Media Activities Unit, said that on 25 September that Raouche Rock will be illuminated with the two men’s images from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and this would be accompanied by maritime activities.
The announcement quickly drew political objections. Independent MP Nabil Badr, who represents Beirut in parliament, said: "Commemorating any anniversary becomes more meaningful when held in a space that reflects its people, not on a landmark tied to the capital’s history and the identity of the nation as a whole."
Another Beirut MP, Fouad Makhzoumi said: "Raouche Rock is not a space for partisan propaganda, but a national symbol of Beirut’s unity and Lebanon’s diverse identity. The attempt to place the image of Hezbollah’s secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah upon it constitutes a provocation against a landmark that represents the collective memory of all Lebanese, and a threat to the unity of the capital."
He added that after consulting the Beirut governor and the municipal council, "it became clear that no official permit had been issued for the event, which makes it even more dangerous".
MP Imad Al-Hout of the Islamic Group argued that "Raouche Rock is a symbol of Beirut and Lebanon, reflecting the image of a homeland, not of narrow political frameworks."
Beirut, he said, "needs steps that unite its people, not increase division", stressing that "Raouche will remain a witness to Lebanon’s diversity. Let us leave it as a unifying symbol for all Lebanese." He concluded: "It is time for Beirut to be free of partisan flags and slogans."
Independent MP Waddah Sadek was much harsher in his criticism.
"Raising the images of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine on Raouche Rock is unacceptable from every angle," he said.
"They are not official figures, and their pictures would be raised in a city where most residents reject their policies - indeed some accuse them of involvement in killing their leader. Moreover, the party seeking to raise these images has obtained no licence from the municipality or ministry."
He added: "What’s worse is that their party, as usual, warns against being dragged into civil war, yet never misses a chance to provoke Beirutis. We must not forget that the ‘glorious day’ remains engraved in the memory of Beirut’s people. The government, which has shown strength in its decisions, must prevent Hezbollah and others from staging any provocative displays in order to preserve civil peace in the country."
Sources close to the Beirut governor told The New Arab's Arabic edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that "this matter normally falls under the governor’s authority, specifically in granting permission to illuminate Raouche Rock, but so far no one has contacted him to obtain any licence for it".
A Hezbollah source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed: "There are bodies that usually follow up on the party’s activities, and the matter is under review."
Hezbollah MP Yanal Solh defended the initiative, saying: "The martyred leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was not just a political leader or a military commander, but a teacher of honesty, loyalty and sacrifice. From time to time some voices emerge trying to undermine the greatness of this exceptional leader who gave his life for Palestine and Lebanon, and fought on the front lines on behalf of all Arabs and Muslims. Does he not deserve today to be remembered with loyalty and respect?"
Supporters of Hezbollah also argued that the backlash was politically motivated, noting that Raouche Rock has often been illuminated with the images of Lebanese and non-Lebanese figures, as well as with the flags of countries other than Lebanon. They asked what would prevent it from being lit for "two leaders assassinated by Israel during a wide-scale assault on Lebanon".
Raouche Rock is one of Lebanon’s most famous landmarks. It is made up of two large natural formations off Beirut’s coast, rising around 70 metres high. It has often been illuminated during special occasions, both Lebanese and foreign.
Israel assassinated Nasrallah in Beirut’s southern suburbs on 27 September 2024 and Safieddine on 3 October 2024, as part of a wider series of targeted killings against Hezbollah leaders.