Hezbollah is dragging Lebanon into the war on Iran, but the militia is a shadow of the force it once was
Lebanon now faces the risk of being fully engulfed in the expanding US-Israel conflict against Iran, with Hezbollah acting as a catalyst. Recent Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon, including aerial strikes, have intensified, following the militia’s decision to retaliate after the assassination of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Monday, Hezbollah launched a coordinated assault on an Israeli military base near Haifa, deploying missiles and a “swarm of drones” – its first cross-border strike since late 2024. The attack aimed to signal the group’s continued capacity to act in support of Tehran, despite years of attrition.
Hezbollah, once a formidable proxy of the Islamic Republic, now seems like a diminished version of its former self. Prolonged Israeli offensives have eroded its leadership, seized key positions in southern Lebanon, and depleted its once-remarkable missile stockpiles. Internal political friction has also grown, as the Lebanese government moves to restrict the militia’s military operations in an effort to avoid further Israeli retaliation. This step, though symbolic, risks deepening tensions between state forces and Hezbollah.
In Beirut, the capital, residents live under constant threat of Israeli attacks. Surveillance drones patrol the skies, and tracer rounds illuminate the night, serving as warnings of potential strikes. Recent airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut, destroying command centers and weapon caches. South Lebanon, the militia’s traditional stronghold, has endured renewed bombardment from the Israeli border, resulting in multiple casualties and forcing thousands to seek refuge.
Israel’s strategy and Hezbollah’s response
Israeli military presence near the Lebanese border has swelled, with tens of thousands of reservists mobilized. This move has sparked speculation about a broader ground invasion to dismantle or neutralize Hezbollah. However, an IDF spokesperson clarified that the operation is limited to border areas, emphasizing a defensive stance to safeguard Israeli civilians and key infrastructure.
“We will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures, and we will take all necessary measures to stop those responsible and protect the Lebanese people,” said Nawaf Salam, Lebanon’s prime minister, in a Monday post on X.
Despite its weakened state, Hezbollah has reignited hostilities, pushing Israel to the edge of a full-scale conflict. The group’s recent strikes highlight its determination to uphold its alliance with Iran, even as its influence and capabilities wane. The ongoing standoff underscores the precarious balance between regional powers and the fragile Lebanese state.
