’Angry Birds’-style video caricaturing Hezbollah draws rebuke

May 3, 2026 - 08:45

BEIRUT -- A Lebanese television station has sparked sharp criticism after airing a video that portrays Hezbollah's leadership and fighters as cartoon characters in a style reminiscent of the "Angry Birds" game. The clip, which quickly spread online, shows animated figures resembling top Hezbollah officials in exaggerated, combat-oriented scenarios.

The video was broadcast by a local outlet known for its critical stance toward the Iran-backed group. In the animation, the characters are depicted as clumsy or aggressive, drawing clear parallels to the popular mobile game where birds are launched at structures. Critics of Hezbollah saw the video as a form of political satire, but supporters of the group condemned it as disrespectful and inflammatory.

Hezbollah responded swiftly, issuing a statement that denounced the video as an insult to the resistance movement and its sacrifices. The group warned that such mockery could escalate tensions in an already fragile political environment in Lebanon. Some analysts noted that the incident reflects the deepening divide between Hezbollah's supporters and its opponents, a split that has grown more pronounced amid the country's economic collapse and political paralysis.

The Lebanese media watchdog has not yet commented on the broadcast, but the controversy highlights the ongoing struggle over public narrative in a nation where media outlets often align with rival political factions.