In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Lebanon finds itself on the precipice as Syed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, delivered his much-anticipated Friday speech. This comes in the wake of a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli territories on October 7, further escalating tensions in Lebanon’s southern border region where Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian group, engages in hostilities with Israel.
Hezbollah and its connection with Hamas
Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim militant group headquartered in Lebanon, holds a unique position as “a state within a state.” Established in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War with support from Iranian-backed groups, its core mission centers on opposition to Israel and resistance to Western influence in the Middle East. Several countries, including the United States, have labeled Hezbollah a terrorist organization, underscoring its contentious status.
Over time, Hezbollah has evolved from a shadowy faction into a formidable, heavily armed force with significant influence over the Lebanese state. The United States and various Western nations have consistently regarded it as a terrorist entity. In 2006, during a five-week war with Israel, Hezbollah showcased its military capabilities by crossing into Israel, abducting soldiers, and inflicting casualties. Since then, it has received financial support, weaponry, and equipment from Iran, steadily bolstering its potent arsenal.
The current situation involving Hezbollah’s confrontations with Israel has sparked concerns about the potential expansion of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in casualties on both sides, with Lebanon witnessing the loss of 71 lives, and Israel reporting nine fatalities. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has expressed readiness to assist in the war between Israel and Hamas, which also receives support from Tehran. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has been working to prevent his country from being drawn into the conflict, cautioning against the escalation of violence that could engulf the entire region.
The border tensions evoke memories of Hezbollah’s 2006 war with Israel, a devastating conflict that claimed over 1,200 lives in Lebanon, predominantly civilians, and 160 lives in Israel. The question on many minds is what would happen if Hezbollah becomes actively involved in this war.
Experts suggest that Hezbollah has limited interest in fully immersing itself in a conflict that Israeli officials have warned could result in Lebanon’s destruction. Nevertheless, some contend that the decision to engage in the war rests with Iran, leading the regional “axis of resistance” against Israel. This axis encompasses armed groups from Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, alongside Hezbollah, some of which have initiated attacks on Israel in recent weeks.
In the first month of the conflict, Hezbollah has primarily focused on targeting Israeli observation posts, military positions, vehicles near the border, and drones, utilizing anti-tank missiles, guided missiles, and surface-to-air missiles. The restrained approach may be an indication of Hezbollah’s strategic considerations.
Highlights of Hezbollah’s leader’s Hassan Nasrallah public address
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, delivered his first public address on November 3, 2023, as the conflict rages on with Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip. The war has forced around 3,000 Palestinians from Gaza who were working in Israel to return to their enclave, with thousands reportedly missing amid mass arrests after the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Nasrallah commended Hamas’s actions, characterizing it as a historic development in the ongoing struggle with Israel. He praised Hamas’s decision to launch the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, deeming it wise and courageous and asserting that its timing was ideal. He criticized Israel for setting unattainable goals and highlighted the strategic and existential implications of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on Israel’s present and future.
He emphasized that Iran does not exert control over the resistance factions, underscoring the independent decision-making of these groups. He highlighted the international support for Israel, both in terms of political leaders and military aid, as a response to the October 7 operation. He also expressed gratitude to the strong and brave Iraqi and Yemeni forces participating in the conflict.
Hezbollah’s leader mentioned the seismic impact of the October 7 operation, asserting that it shook Israel and its supporters in Washington and London. He emphasized that the operation was entirely Palestinian, marked by absolute secrecy, and lauded Hamas for concealing the attack plan.
Nasrallah’s address also touched upon the challenging conditions in Palestine, citing the presence of an extremist and oppressive government. He framed the ongoing conflict as a battle rooted in human, ethical, and religious values, emphasizing the importance of unwavering commitment to the cause.
He concluded his speech by offering condolences and congratulations to the families affected by the conflict, including those who lost their lives during Hamas’s Al-Aqsa Flood operations inside Israel. Nasrallah described this as a seamless battle, marked by honesty and nobility, with strength derived from firm beliefs and unwavering dedication.
The conflict between Israel and Lebanese militants, marked by exchanges of fire across the border since the commencement of the Israel-Gaza war in early October, reached a critical juncture on November 2, 2023. Hamas initiated an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, intensifying retaliatory exchanges mainly between Israel and Hezbollah, a key ally of the Palestinian group, thereby raising concerns about a broader conflict.
On a regional scale, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian sounded a warning, describing the region as a powder keg with the potential for unpredictable outcomes unless Israel halts its attacks on Gaza. Iran, a principal supporter of Hezbollah and Hamas, is closely monitoring the situation. In response to the escalating tensions, US President Joe Biden dispatched two aircraft carrier groups to the eastern Mediterranean and issued stern warnings to Hezbollah and other actors, urging them to stay out of the conflict.
Nasrallah’s recent speech was broadcast during an event held in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah. The event served as a commemoration for Hezbollah fighters killed in Israeli strikes, highlighting the group’s determination to continue its resistance.
In summary, the ongoing conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah has placed Lebanon in a precarious position. The potential involvement of Hezbollah in the conflict adds another layer of complexity, with regional and international players closely monitoring the situation. Nasrallah’s recent address reflects the dynamics at play and the challenges faced by all parties involved in this multifaceted and evolving conflict.