How Hizbollah is maintaining its reconstruction and national unity
Last Updated on November 17, 2024 5:28 am
Hezbollah is currently fighting on two fronts. On the one hand, resistance is being built against the Israeli army. On the other hand, Lebanon is dealing with internal political and social pressures.
War against Israel
Hezbollah launched heavy attacks in northern Israel last November 11 during their annual ‘Martyrs’ Day’ celebrations. The Lebanese armed group launched about 250 rocket and drone strikes that day, hitting the Israeli-occupied cities of Haifa, Acre and Safed.
Hezbollah’s attack is seen as a response to Israel’s ongoing ground campaign and attacks in southern Lebanon since October 1.
Meanwhile, under the pressure of the continuing war, Hezbollah suffered some important setbacks. Along with the killing of top leaders of the organization including Hassan Nasrullah, thousands of Israeli airstrikes and military operations have had a profound effect on the organization. However, Israeli forces failed to completely capture any village in southern Lebanon.
New leadership and restructuring
After the death of Hezbollah’s former secretary-general Hassan Nasrullah in September, the organization has begun a rapid restructuring process under new leader Naeem Qassem. Under the political and military leadership of Naeem Kasem, the organization reorganized its structure and filled vacancies.
Recently, Hezbollah has started using Fateh-110 missiles. It has a range of 300 km and is capable of carrying 500 kg of explosives.
Internal challenges
In addition to fighting, Hezbollah has to take care of more than 1 million displaced people. Most of whom have been expelled from southern Lebanon. Efforts to deliver food, medicine and other essentials to these large numbers of people have been hampered by Israeli attacks. However, the situation has improved somewhat with recent restructuring.
However, some Lebanese political parties are increasingly criticizing Hezbollah. Especially in the Christian community. Many blame Hezbollah for the war. Western countries, especially the United States and Germany, are playing a strong role in this regard. They are encouraging those political opponents to increase the pressure against Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s fragile balance
The post of President of Lebanon has been vacant since October 2022. Any attempt to elect a president without Hezbollah and its Shiite allies would be virtually ineffective, analysts said.
In this regard, former foreign minister Fares Boise said, Lebanon has historically been managed on the basis of compromise. If a community claims power beyond its natural balance, it creates national instability.
State of national unity
Currently, a streak of national unity is maintained in Lebanon, albeit temporarily. The positive attitude of various communities towards the displaced population reflects national solidarity. But if the war drags on, this unity may become difficult to sustain.
However, Hezbollah has proven its resilience. But domestic pressure and international diplomatic influence against the group are likely to increase as the war continues.
Source: Middle East Eye