Hezbollah is dragging Lebanon into the war on Iran, but the militia is a shadow of the force it once was
Hezbollah’s Conflict with Israel Risks Dragging Lebanon into War Against Iran, Despite Its Declining Power
With Israel’s military actions intensifying against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, Lebanon now faces the prospect of being fully drawn into the broader conflict between the United States and Iran. The government, already strained by internal and external pressures, has struggled to prevent the country from becoming entangled in the escalating hostilities. Recent territorial gains by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, coupled with a wave of attacks including air strikes, have pushed the fragile political landscape closer to crisis.
On Monday, Hezbollah launched a missile assault and a coordinated drone strike targeting an Israeli military installation near Haifa, marking its first cross-border operation since late 2024. This move was intended to signal the group’s continued ability to act as a proxy for Tehran, even as its influence wanes. In response, Hezbollah claimed further strikes aimed at Israeli radar installations and control rooms in the north, framing them as retaliation for Israeli aggression that had damaged multiple Lebanese communities.
A Shift in Power and Perception
Once a formidable force with a vast arsenal, Hezbollah has seen its capabilities eroded by years of Israeli offensives. Senior figures have been eliminated, its strongholds in southern Lebanon overrun, and its missile inventory diminished. The militia’s weakened state has also intensified political friction within Lebanon, prompting the government to formally restrict its military operations in a bid to reduce Israeli retaliation. This step, though symbolic, raises concerns about escalating tensions between state forces and the armed group.
“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,” Nawaf Salam, the nation’s prime minister, stated in a post on X. His remarks underscore Lebanon’s growing anxiety over Hezbollah’s role in the regional conflict.
Meanwhile, Israel has mobilized thousands of reservists near the border, suggesting preparations for a deeper military push. While officials insist this is a defensive maneuver, the move has heightened fears of a full-scale invasion. Hezbollah, in a press briefing, hinted at its renewed offensive, stating that the group had “restarted the fight Israel was waiting to finish.”
Analysts note that Hezbollah’s current position mirrors that of its Iranian sponsor, which now faces a strategic dilemma. Without its once-reliable proxy, Iran’s ability to deter direct confrontation with Israel has been undermined. The militia’s declining strength has made it a target not for its power, but for its perceived weakness in the ongoing power struggle.
