Israeli offensive emboldens Hezbollah as it claims mantle of Lebanon’s defender

Hezbollah Gains Momentum Amid Israeli Campaign

Israeli offensive emboldens Hezbollah as it claims - Recent weeks have seen Hezbollah reassert its influence in Lebanon, despite earlier predictions of its decline. Israeli military operations, combined with covert actions, had once positioned the group on the brink of collapse. Regional analysts had even suggested the group was nearing "demise" after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who served as a crucial regional ally in supplying arms and resources. The assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s long-time leader, in 2024 further weakened its position. Yet, the group’s recent actions suggest a revival.

The escalation began with the U.S. and Israel’s decision to target Iran. This move, announced on March 2, reignited hostilities and provided Hezbollah with a renewed sense of purpose. “The Israelis’ actions have completely revitalized Hezbollah’s resistance rationale,” said Nicholas Blanford, an Atlantic Council analyst based in Beirut. “Though they face heavy losses, morale remains strong, and they’re ready for a prolonged struggle.”

Frontline Resilience and Ceasefire Challenges

Despite ceasefire agreements brokered in Washington, combat persists. The latest pact, reached on Wednesday, demands Hezbollah halt its attacks, withdraw from the south, and eventually disarm. However, both Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly violated prior accords. Israeli strikes continued unabated since a November 2024 truce, with the military accusing Hezbollah of failing to retreat from border zones. In response, the group refrained from retaliation until March 2, when it launched rockets into northern Israel.

“When the Israeli-American war restarted the conflict with Iran, we saw it as a chance to act,” said Ibrahim Al Moussawi, a Lebanese parliament member affiliated with Hezbollah. “The government didn’t fulfill its duty, so we’re compelled to defend our people.”

Hezbollah’s resurgence has placed it at the center of Lebanon’s defense. Israeli incursions into southern regions, displacing over a million civilians and claiming more than 3,000 casualties, have forced the group into this role. “It’s not something we relish,” Al Moussawi noted. “But we’re obliged to act because the government has not done so.”

Adaptation and Ideological Strength

While Israeli strikes have limited Hezbollah’s rocket capabilities, the group has evolved. It now employs explosive drones controlled via fiber optic cables to circumvent defenses in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah’s core territory. These drones have targeted missile defense systems and Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of 15 soldiers since mid-April. Beyond tactical adjustments, Hezbollah’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to inspire unwavering loyalty among young Shia Muslims in Lebanon.

One such individual, a 30-year-old fighter in the Beqaa Valley, shared his perspective with CNN. “They want to take our land,” he said of Israeli forces. “They have a plan to occupy it and achieve their goals. God willing, we won’t let them.”

Weapons Flow and Persistent Threat

Amid the conflict, arms continue to move through Beqaa’s remote areas. A smuggler, who asked for anonymity due to fear of retaliation, confirmed that weapons still reach Hezbollah despite Syria’s efforts to intercept them. “The fall of Assad made our job harder,” he said. “But supplies are still getting through. The idea of surrendering is foolish.”

Hezbollah’s fighters remain steadfast, viewing leadership changes as a sign of resilience. “Every leader lost is replaced, and we grow stronger,” the smuggler added. “Our resolve never wavers.”