First, there were the attacks on communication systems like pagers and walkie-talkies, then the assassinations of most of Hezbollah’s military leaders and iconic figures, including the charismatic and symbolic Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. Added to this were the pressures on the group's popular base, with the systematic destruction of villages in southern Lebanon and neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs, as well as the harassment this same base has faced in its places of refuge throughout the country.
No other group could have survived all these blows except Hezbollah, claims the official.
According to him, after the assassination of the “Sayyed” under circumstances widely known, and the internal infiltrations that caused the remaining members to briefly question everything, there were a few days of uncertainty.
But Hezbollah quickly managed to reassemble its military leadership, filling all vacant positions with individuals who remain unknown to the general public.
After the initial shock, the priority became restructuring the military branch, which Nasrallah referred to as the “mujahidin,” particularly the fighters stationed in southern Lebanon. The task was to reestablish communication with them and assess their needs — a goal that appears to have been achieved. Today, more than two weeks after the start of what Israel refers to as a “limited ground operation,” Israeli soldiers have not managed to establish positions inside Lebanese territory, according to the same Hezbollah official. Close-quarters combat has occurred, and so far, each encounter has ended in Hezbollah’s favor. The units remain in place along the front line.
The Hezbollah official is adamant: The Israelis will not be able to occupy the south, not even partially, even if they launch a large-scale offensive.
According to the same official, 90 percent of Hezbollah’s military structure is now operational again, both in southern Lebanon and elsewhere, and there is even a communication network between the various fronts and the central command.
Regarding missiles, the official asserted that Hezbollah still has significant reserves. Proof of this, he says, is that nearly 100 missiles are launched daily toward Israeli positions. However, he acknowledged that the losses have been greater in terms of long-range heavy missiles. But there are still some remaining, he assured, and, furthermore, transport routes are still partially open. As soon as one is closed, another opens, meaning the party is, according to this official, capable of holding out on the front for as long as necessary.
In terms of manpower, there are nearly 25,000 fighters ready to engage in battle, with more available if needed. So far, the heavy missiles have not been used because Hezbollah claims it does not want to give Israel an excuse to expand its attacks to civilian and infrastructure targets. However, the group will not hesitate to use them if necessary.
What enabled Hezbollah to recover after the shock of the first few days? The official said that Iran played a significant role in this regard. Initially, after the loss of Nasrallah and almost the entire leadership team, Hezbollah supporters felt disappointment and isolation, fearing they had been abandoned.
However, after a speech in Arabic from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, addressed to Hezbollah and its supporters, the party’s morale — and that of its popular base — was restored.
In his speech, Khamenei clearly stated that he now considers Hezbollah and its supporters under his protection, as a duty he owes to Nasrallah. He also indirectly committed to fulfilling all the promises Nasrallah had made in his recent speeches.
These remarks were followed by visits to Lebanon from Iran’s foreign minister and parliament speaker, both of whom reaffirmed Tehran's support for Hezbollah and Lebanon in general during this open war with Israel.
According to the Hezbollah official, Iran views the ongoing battle in the region — from Gaza to Lebanon, with the involvement of other fronts — as its own, because it is fundamentally aimed at the entire “Axis of Resistance” and is designed to ensure Israel’s dominance over the region and bury the rights of the Palestinians.
Iran is said to have sent the following message to the Lebanese, particularly Hezbollah: Iran considers this an existential battle, and if it is attacked by Israel, it will retaliate accordingly, disregarding previous red lines. Likewise, Iran will not allow Hezbollah to feel defeated.
Bolstered by this renewed support, Hezbollah decided to escalate its attacks starting Sunday night. At the same time, according to the party official, Hezbollah is preparing to resume its meetings and political activities, with news on this front expected to reach the media soon.
Hezbollah believes it has overcome the initial shock and regained its fighting spirit, with even greater determination than before, out of loyalty to the memory of the “Sayyed” (Nasrallah). Time will tell whether this renewed confidence will be enough to help Hezbollah truly overcome the blows it has suffered.
This article was originally published in L'Orient-Le Jour and translated by Sahar Ghoussoub.