Hezbollah under pressure: Loss of power in Lebanon and new conflicts

Hezbollah under pressure: Loss of power in Lebanon and new conflicts

The Hezbollah militia in Lebanon is in a critical Situation, which was significantly tightened by the continuing conflict in the Middle East. The organization, which is traditionally considered one of the most important military actors in the region, has lost strength through various factors. According to information from Tagesschau , the support from Iran, the most important ally of the Hisbollah, has decreased sharply. Israel's military attacks have hit the Arsenal of the militia heavily and led to significant losses.

The situation escalated on October 8, 2023, when the Hisbollah Israel attacked north, which resulted in a fire. In Tyros, a city, only 30 km from the border with Israel, around 100 buildings were destroyed, including the fishing business of FADL Reda Badawi, who is now hoping for financial support for reconstruction.

loss of popularity and influence

Political scientist Sami Nader emphasizes that there is increasing skepticism in the Lebanese population about the meaning of war towards Israel. While the Hisbollah was once considered the dominant force in Lebanon, it has now lost both popularity and military strength. This is also evident in the destruction of thousands of Pager and Walkie-Talkies of the Hisbollah in the Israeli attack on September 17 and 18, 2024, which violated over 2,800 people.

a "state in the state" and support system

The Hisbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by many western states, but also has profound political power in Lebanon. The organization controls various social institutions and is described as a "state in the state". In the meantime, it is subject to the pressure to follow the UN Resolution 1701 of 2006, which provides for a withdrawal behind the Litani flow.

Israel continues to carry out attacks on Lebanese goals, despite an agreed ceasefire. It is known that Unifil has confiscated 225 HISBOLLAH weapon warehouses since the beginning of this ceasefire and handed over to the Israeli forces.

the Iranian influence and the axis of resistance

The geopolitical landscape is also influenced by Iran, which has been expanding its influence in the Middle East for years, not only on the Hisbollah, but also on Hamas in Gaza and the Huthi in Yemen. Researchers like Diba Mirzaei and Kamrin Matin emphasize that Iran sees its allies as part of a "resistance", which is often overlooked in the West. Hisbollah is the closest ally of Iran, which is illustrated by a similar religious interpretation and a long history of military and political support.

The influence of Iran on the Hisbollah is strategic in nature, but the implementation of military tactics is ultimately in the hands of the militia itself. This can also be seen in the current conflicts where the Hezbollah acts independently, but is deeply rooted in the network of Iranian influence.