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

Israeli Offensive Emboldens Hezbollah as It Claims Mantle of Lebanon’s Defender

Israeli offensive emboldens Hezbollah as it claims – Once a symbol of near-defeat, Hezbollah has regained momentum in recent months, leveraging a renewed sense of purpose as it steps into the role of Lebanon’s primary defender. The group, long viewed as a fragmented force under constant pressure from Israeli military campaigns and the collapse of its Syrian allies, now appears to be riding a wave of resilience. This shift has come in the wake of the United States and Israel’s decision to launch an offensive against Iran, a move that has inadvertently reinvigorated Hezbollah’s position within the country.

A Shifting Power Dynamic

For years, experts had predicted Hezbollah’s decline, citing the loss of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s support, the death of its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah in 2024, and Lebanon’s efforts to disarm the group. The removal of Assad, a key regional backer, had left Hezbollah vulnerable, with its supply lines weakened and its influence in the region seemingly waning. However, the recent escalation in hostilities has altered that narrative. The US and Israel’s attack on Iran has not only reignited tensions in the Middle East but also provided Hezbollah with a renewed identity as the vanguard of resistance against external aggression.

“What the Israelis have done is completely revitalize Hezbollah’s resistance rationale,” said Nicholas Blanford, an Atlantic Council analyst based in Beirut. “Hezbollah is taking a lot of hits, they’re taking a lot of casualties on the front lines, but my understanding is that morale is high and they’re prepared for a long fight.”

Despite the heavy toll of recent conflicts, Hezbollah has managed to sustain its operations. The group’s latest actions, including rocket strikes into northern Israel, have positioned it as a critical player in the region’s evolving geopolitical landscape. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government, which had once sought to dismantle Hezbollah entirely, now finds itself in a precarious position, forced to acknowledge the group’s enduring influence.

Ceasefire Agreements and Their Limits

Recent ceasefire agreements between Israel and the Lebanese government have done little to halt the fighting. The latest accord, brokered in Washington on Wednesday, demands that Hezbollah cease all attacks, withdraw from southern Lebanon, and eventually disarm. Yet, both sides have already breached such pacts. Israel, which began its military campaign in November 2024, has continued its incursions into Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of failing to comply with earlier ceasefire terms. The group, in turn, has not hesitated to retaliate, launching rockets into Israeli territory and adapting its tactics to counter Israeli advances.

Hezbollah’s response to the Israeli-American war against Iran has been both strategic and symbolic. On March 2, the group seized the opportunity to strike back, launching rockets into northern Israel as a direct challenge to its adversary. “When the Israeli-American war again restarted the war against Iran, we felt this is a proper window to respond,” said Ibrahim Al Moussawi, a Hezbollah parliament member. “We are forced to do it. We are obliged to do it because the government didn’t do its job.”

Israel’s offensive has displaced over a million civilians and claimed more than 3,000 lives, according to Lebanese government figures. These figures underscore the human cost of the conflict, but they also highlight Hezbollah’s ability to mobilize support. The group has positioned itself as the protector of Lebanon’s people, a role it now claims with renewed vigor. This rebranding has not only bolstered its internal cohesion but also rekindled public sentiment in a country where the government has struggled to maintain control.

Adaptation and Resilience

Though Israeli strikes have crippled Hezbollah’s traditional capabilities, the group has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. In southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have intensified their operations, Hezbollah has turned to explosive drones guided by fiber optic cables. These unmanned weapons bypass Israeli defenses, striking missile batteries and military outposts in the Beqaa Valley. Since the fragile ceasefire in mid-April, the group has reportedly killed 15 Israeli soldiers, a testament to its evolving warfare strategies.

“The Israelis are trying to break us, but they’re only making us stronger,” remarked a Hezbollah fighter in the Beqaa Valley. “Whenever a leader is killed, there is a new leader. And whenever we lose someone who is replaced by someone else, we become more steadfast.” This sentiment reflects the group’s deep-rooted organizational structure, which allows it to weather setbacks and maintain operational continuity. The fighter, who agreed to speak with CNN after returning from the front lines, described the resilience of Hezbollah’s fighters as a key factor in its recent resurgence.

Smuggling Networks and Regional Alliances

Behind the scenes, Hezbollah’s survival hinges on its ability to secure resources and maintain covert networks. An arms smuggler in Beqaa, who requested anonymity due to fears of retribution, told CNN that the fall of Assad had made his job more challenging. “Syrian authorities regularly boast of seizing weapons heading to Lebanon,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean the flow has stopped. We still move supplies through the region, even as the political landscape shifts.”

Despite these challenges, Hezbollah continues to operate effectively, with its loyalty to the cause remaining strong among young Shia Muslims. The group’s ability to cultivate fierce devotion among its members has allowed it to sustain its military and ideological presence. “Hezbollah is not just a military group; it’s a political and social movement,” said the smuggler. “Many of our people see it as a way to protect their homeland and assert their identity in a region that often overlooks their voices.”

The Cost of Occupation

Israeli forces have occupied parts of southern Lebanon, pushing further into territory they claim is vital for national security. This expansion, which includes crossing the Litani River in late April, has drawn criticism from Hezbollah and its supporters. “Civilians are being killed. They want to take our land,” said one fighter, describing the occupation as a calculated effort to weaken Lebanon. “They have a plan to occupy our land to achieve their goal. God willing, we won’t let them do that.”

The occupation has not only intensified the conflict but also deepened the divide between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. While the government has sought to distance itself from the group, Hezbollah has used this rift to solidify its role as the defender of the people. This narrative has resonated with many in Lebanon, particularly in Shia communities, where the group is seen as a bulwark against external threats. The fighter’s words, echoing the sentiments of others, highlight the emotional and ideological stakes of the war.

As the conflict continues, Hezbollah’s position appears stronger than ever. The group’s ability to adapt, rebuild, and inspire loyalty among its supporters has transformed it from a weakened force into a central actor in Lebanon’s political and military landscape. With the US and Israel’s actions against Iran providing a backdrop, Hezbollah’s renewed assertiveness underscores its enduring relevance in the region.

Looking Ahead

The future of the conflict remains uncertain, but Hezbollah’s role seems firmly established. Its capacity to sustain resistance, even as it faces significant losses, has kept it in the spotlight. For now, the group continues to fight, not only for territorial control but also for the perception of being Lebanon’s last line of defense. As the situation evolves, the question remains: will this renewed strength lead to a lasting peace, or will it deepen the cycle of violence in the region?