Israeli offensive emboldens Hezbollah as it claims mantle of Lebanon’s defender
Israeli offensive emboldens Hezbollah as it claims mantle of Lebanon’s defender
Israeli offensive emboldens Hezbollah as it claims – Just months ago, Hezbollah appeared to be on the verge of collapse. A series of intense Israeli military and covert operations had weakened the group significantly, with regional analysts suggesting it was nearing “demise.” The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2024 had further isolated Hezbollah, as the former ally had played a crucial role in supplying weapons and resources to the organization. In 2024, Israel’s forces killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s longtime leader, during a major strike. This marked a pivotal moment, with Lebanon and Israel engaging in direct negotiations brokered by the United States for the first time in decades. The Lebanese government had even proposed complete disarming of the group, signaling a shift in regional dynamics.
But the tide has turned. With the U.S. and Israel’s decision to target Iran, Hezbollah has regained momentum. The group’s resurgence is evident in its renewed role as the primary defender of Lebanon. Analysts like Nicholas Blanford of the Atlantic Council in Beirut have noted that the Israeli actions have reinvigorated Hezbollah’s resistance narrative. “Hezbollah is not only absorbing heavy losses but also maintaining high morale,” Blanford explained to CNN. “The group has adapted its tactics and is ready for a long-term struggle.”
The most recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, brokered in Washington on Wednesday, has been met with mixed results. It requires Hezbollah to halt its rocket attacks, withdraw from the southern border regions, and eventually disarm. Yet, both sides have repeatedly violated prior accords. Israel’s offensive resumed in November 2024, continuing strikes in border areas despite a supposed ceasefire. Hezbollah, meanwhile, held back from retaliation, allowing the conflict to stall. That changed dramatically on March 2, when the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran. In response, Hezbollah began targeting northern Israel with rockets, marking a symbolic return to the battlefield.
Hezbollah’s strategic move has positioned it as a central actor in Lebanon’s conflict. “The Israelis’ actions have created the right opportunity for us to act,” said Ibrahim Al Moussawi, a member of Lebanon’s parliament and Hezbollah affiliate. “We are not choosing this path out of desire, but necessity. The government has failed to protect its citizens.” Israel, interpreting this as a green light, has intensified its operations, invading southern Lebanon and displacing over a million people. The Lebanese government reports more than 3,000 civilian deaths, attributing the toll to Israeli strikes. This escalation has pushed Hezbollah back into its familiar role of defending the populace, a task it has historically embraced with conviction.
Despite the Israeli onslaught, Hezbollah has found ways to counteract the pressure. The group has deployed explosive drones controlled via fiber-optic cables, enabling them to bypass Israeli defenses in the Beqaa Valley. These drones have targeted missile defense systems and Israeli troops, proving the group’s adaptability. Since mid-April, when a fragile ceasefire was established, Hezbollah has reportedly killed 15 Israeli soldiers in these strikes. “Every loss we suffer strengthens our resolve,” said a Hezbollah fighter in a remote Beqaa Valley field, speaking to CNN. “The Israelis want to take our land, and they have a plan to occupy it for their own goals.”
The Beqaa Valley, a key region for Hezbollah, has become a focal point of the conflict. Israeli forces have crossed the Litani River, advancing deeper into southern Lebanon as part of their security strategy. The group, however, insists that its attacks are a direct response to Israel’s occupation. “We are defending our people,” the fighter emphasized. “If the government cannot ensure their safety, we must step in.” This sentiment resonates with many Shia Lebanese, who view Hezbollah as a unifying force. For them, the group is more than a militant organization—it is a symbol of resistance against foreign encroachment.
Hezbollah’s influence extends beyond the battlefield. A rare interview with a 30-year-old fighter in the Beqaa Valley revealed the group’s deep-rooted support among younger generations. “We don’t talk much to Western media,” the fighter said, “but our loyalty to Hezbollah is unwavering.” This loyalty, he added, is a key factor in the group’s ability to sustain its operations. The fighter’s willingness to speak, despite the risk of being caught, underscores the intensity of the conflict and the personal stakes involved.
Meanwhile, the smuggling of arms into Lebanon remains a critical supply line for Hezbollah. An anonymous arms dealer in the Beqaa Valley noted that the fall of Assad had complicated his work. “Syrian officials claim to intercept weapons heading our way,” he said, “but the flow hasn’t stopped.” The dealer believes that Hezbollah’s ability to maintain its arsenal is a testament to the group’s resilience. “Hezbollah doesn’t fear losing ground,” he explained. “Whenever a leader falls, new members rise to take their place. Our strength grows with every sacrifice.”
The renewed conflict has sparked a reevaluation of Hezbollah’s role in Lebanese politics. While the government seeks to reduce the group’s influence, many citizens see it as a necessary bulwark against external threats. “Hezbollah is not just a military force,” said the fighter. “It’s a community pillar, a defender of our culture and homeland.” This perspective highlights the complex relationship between Hezbollah and the Lebanese public, where the group is both criticized and revered. As the fighting continues, the question remains: Will Hezbollah’s resurgence lead to a lasting redefinition of Lebanon’s security landscape, or will the Israeli offensive ultimately reshape the group’s future?
