However, it also stunned many in Lebanon who'd been repeatedly assured that Hezbollah would never turn its weapons on fellow Arabs.

Last month, in the final weeks of Lebanon's fiercely contested parliamentary election, Nasrallah brought the issue back to the political forefront when he called May 7 "a glorious day for the resistance."

"The effects of May 7 continue to this day," said Beirut documentary filmmaker Haisam Shamas as he sat in a West Beirut cafe on Monday. "And if we don't have a unity government, there will be another May 7."

Leaders of the ruling coalition, led by Sunni Muslim lawmaker Saad Hariri, made it clear during the campaign that the agreement would come to an end when the new parliament takes power.

However, some, including Shamas, fear that cutting Hezbollah out of the political process will only force the Iran-backed group to take the battle back to the streets.

As March 14 supporters celebrated their victory with hours of fireworks Monday night, Nasrallah appeared on Hezbollah's al Manar television station with a message of political conciliation.

Nasrallah congratulated his political rivals and said he accepted the results. However, the Hezbollah leader made it clear that he'd challenge any renewed attempts to force his militant wing to disarm.

He urged the winners to compromise.

"Let us build the republic based on truth, clarity and transparency, and not on fears, threats and lies," Nasrallah said.

As in the past, outside forces played a major role in the outcome of the race.

Saudi Arabia and Iran are both thought to have spent tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars to back their rival political forces.

Political parties spent millions to fly Lebanese voters living abroad back to their country to vote on Sunday, and residents around the nation reported various attempts to buy their votes.

Despite some flaws, however, outside electoral observers declared the race free and fair.

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