USIP: Prospects for Mediation of the Lebanon Crisis
...The assumption that Hezbollah's supporters would criticize it for dragging them into a destructive war is "wishful thinking," participants agreed. On the contrary, Israeli actions have radicalized many Lebanese, including those who may have been initially critical of Hezbollah's unilateral action who now hold Israel responsible for the subsequent destruction of their country...

...Israel's military campaign has weakened both the will and capacity of the Lebanese government to confront Hezbollah and to deliver on Lebanon's "project of peace,"--that is, on the process of national reconciliation and efforts to integrate Hezbollah into a national framework. The attacks on Lebanese civilians and infrastructure will deter moderates from advocating positions of compromise and from pushing for the implementation of UN Resolution 1559, a stance now identified with the Israeli agenda. Finally, Israeli military intervention will only hinder the Lebanese army's capacity to take control of those zones...

...A more effective approach would address the social and economic base upon which Hezbollah is built by drawing Hezbollah's traditional constituency away from the movement through alternative social and economic programs. It is also important to recognize the dual nature of Hezbollah as both a Lebanese and a regional player, and caution against viewing Hezbollah simply as an Iranian or Syrian proxy. Hezbollah has its own strategic goals, even if some of these may serve others' interests in the region...