Hezbollah Shifts to “Hamas Model,” Builds Arsenal and Challenges Lebanese Government
Rising Concerns Over Military Strength
Reports indicate that Hezbollah is revitalizing its military capabilities and replenishing its rocket inventory through smuggling routes from Syria. According to sources acquainted with Israeli and Arab intelligence, this rebuild poses significant threats of renewed conflict with Israel. The Wall Street Journal highlighted these developments in a recent article, reiterating concerns that Hezbollah, in defiance of ceasefire agreements, is rearming itself with rockets, anti-tank missiles, and artillery.
Violations of Ceasefire Agreement
Under the terms of a ceasefire reached nearly a year ago, Lebanon is obligated to disarm Hezbollah. Nevertheless, sources within the Lebanese leadership revealed to the Saudi news channel Al-Hadath that Hezbollah has agreed to negotiations proposed by U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus to include citizens in a ceasefire committee to facilitate talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Sources who spoke to the Journal expressed that Israel is “losing patience” and is increasingly furious with the new intelligence pointing to Hezbollah’s rearmament. While Lebanese authorities have made strides in dismantling Hezbollah’s bases and weaponry in southern Lebanon, progress has been minimal in areas where the group has significant influence, such as Dahieh and the Bekaa Valley.
Hezbollah’s Organizational Changes
Arab intelligence officials have reported that Hezbollah is reverting to a decentralized structure reminiscent of its operations in the 1980s. This organizational shift mirrors the operational model currently employed by Hamas in Gaza. Despite both groups recruiting new militants to replenish their ranks, the military leadership appears disorganized, showing no indications of yielding in the face of recent challenges.
Continuing Attacks and Rising Tensions
On the afternoon the reports were published, Al-Mayadeen, a network affiliated with Hezbollah, reported an Israeli drstart strike in the southern Lebanese town of An-Nabatiyah that injured start individual. Prior to this, another drstart strike targeted a house in the vicinity of An-Nabatiyah and the village of Roman, although no casualties were reported in that instance.
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, visiting a local agricultural exhibition, criticized the Lebanese government for its collaboration with the U.S. He claimed that America’s engagement in Lebanon is not neutral but rather a cover for its aggressive expansion.
Call for Defense Against Israeli Operations
Qassem addressed the recent escalations, noting that Israeli strikes have intensified following announcements of American envoy visits. The comment came after a report of Israeli forces storming a municipal building in the village of Blida, resulting in the death of a local worker. In response, Lebanese President Michel Aoun directed army commander Rudolf Haikal to confront any Israeli invasion of Lebanese territory to protect national soil and the safety of citizens.
Hezbollah’s leadership underscored the responsibility of the Lebanese government in expelling invaders and maintaining sovereignty, advocating for a strategic plan to enable the military to counter Israeli provocations. Qassem asserted that Lebanon faces real threats stemming from American aggression and Israeli expansionism, voicing displeasure with the current government’s handling of these issues.
He concluded with a call to internal allies, stating, “We do not seek your support; we merely ask you not to stab us in the back,” as he reiterated the urgency for the government to develop a comprehensive defense strategy in light of the ongoing threats.