Meaning: The quote "Force is the duty of the state, not Hizbullah" by Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of the Lebanese political and paramilitary organization Hizbullah, reflects a significant aspect of the organization's ideology and its relationship with the state. This quote encapsulates the complex dynamics of power, authority, and governance in Lebanon, a country that has experienced decades of political and sectarian tensions.

Hizbullah, which means "Party of Allah" in Arabic, was established in the 1980s as a resistance movement against the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. Over the years, the organization has evolved into a powerful political and military force with significant influence in Lebanese politics and society. The group's ideology is rooted in Shia Islam and its principles of resistance against perceived oppression and injustice.

The statement by Hassan Nasrallah emphasizes the distinction between the role of the state and that of Hizbullah in wielding force or military power. It asserts the primacy of the state as the legitimate authority responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting the nation's sovereignty. This distinction is crucial in understanding Hizbullah's stance on governance and its relationship with the Lebanese state.

Lebanon has a complex political system characterized by a delicate balance of power among various sectarian groups. Hizbullah, as a predominantly Shia organization, operates within this framework, participating in the country's political process while also maintaining its independent military wing. This duality has led to both cooperation and contention between Hizbullah and the Lebanese state.

Nasrallah's statement can be seen as a strategic assertion of Hizbullah's adherence to the Lebanese state's authority in matters of national defense and security. By framing force as the duty of the state, he positions Hizbullah as a complementary force that is aligned with the state's interests in protecting Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This framing serves to legitimize Hizbullah's military activities as part of a broader national defense strategy, especially in the context of ongoing regional conflicts and threats to Lebanon's security.

At the same time, the quote also underscores the complexities of Hizbullah's relationship with the state. The organization's significant military capabilities and its involvement in regional conflicts, particularly in Syria, have raised concerns about the extent of its autonomy from the Lebanese government and its potential to undermine state authority. Nasrallah's assertion of the state's duty to wield force can be interpreted as a response to these concerns, seeking to reaffirm Hizbullah's alignment with the state's security interests while maintaining its independent military posture.

Furthermore, the quote reflects the broader debate about the role of non-state actors in contemporary conflicts and the challenges they pose to traditional state-centric notions of sovereignty and security. Hizbullah's dual identity as a political party and a paramilitary organization exemplifies this complexity, raising questions about the boundaries of state authority and the legitimacy of non-state actors' use of force.

In conclusion, Hassan Nasrallah's quote "Force is the duty of the state, not Hizbullah" encapsulates the intricate dynamics of power, authority, and governance in Lebanon. It highlights Hizbullah's positioning within the Lebanese political landscape and its assertion of alignment with the state's security interests while maintaining its independent military capabilities. The quote serves as a lens through which to understand the complexities of Hizbullah's relationship with the state and its broader implications for the regional and global dynamics of conflict and security.