Hezbollah

Weapons Used by Hezbollah Against Israel, October 8, 2023 to November 27, 2024

Between October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah first attacked Israel "to support" the Gaza Strip during the Hamas terrorist attack and massacre which began the previous day, and the ceasefire which went into effect on November 27, 2024, the organization used a wide range of weapons to attack Israeli civilian and military targets. It used various types of rockets, ballistic missiles, UAVs, anti-tank missiles, artillery shells and surface-to-air missiles; Hezbollah deployed its forces in such a way that each escalation saw the introduction of new weapons intended to increase the range, effectiveness and intensity of its attacks on Israel; The vast majority of the weapons were manufactured in Iran and Russia and smuggled to Hezbollah via direct flights from Iran or convoys passing through Syrian territory. the organization also produced its own weapons; This study reviews the weapons used by Hezbollah beginning on October 8, 2023; The variety of weapons used by Hezbollah reflected the organization's advanced military capabilities acquired in the years between the Second Lebanon War in 2006 and the start of the fighting in October 2023, as well as its operational capabilities against Israel, both near the border and in its ability to threaten targets deep within Israel. Despite the extensive damage inflicted by the IDF on Hezbollah's weapons capabilities during the current conflict, in ITIC assessment the organization still possesses capabilities and knowledge which will enable it to continue posing a threat unless it is completely disarmed throughout Lebanon.
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Spotlight on Terrorism: Hezbollah Lebanon (December 30 ,2024 – January 6, 2025)

The IDF continued operations to prevent Hezbollah from violating the ceasefire, targeting Hezbollah operatives and destroying weapons and terrorist facilities in south Lebanon; Na'im Qassem, Hezbollah secretary general, and other senior organization figures reiterated their "commitment" to the ceasefire, saying that the Lebanese government and army should address "Israeli violations." They also warned that the organization might resume attacks if Israel did not complete its withdrawal by the end of the 60-day ceasefire; Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, and Najib Mikati, prime minister of the Lebanese interim government, expressed concern over reports that Israel was going to extend the ceasefire beyond January 27, 2025, and keep its forces in south Lebanon. According to reports, the American general heading the oversight committee told the Lebanese that Israel would continue its operations because of the Lebanese Army's inability to clear the area of Hezbollah; Hezbollah officially announced the launch of Lebanon's reconstruction campaign, stating that Iran would provide the necessary funding. A senior Hezbollah figure said the organization had restored its capabilities and warned its opponents in Lebanon "not to test us"; Lebanese security forces searched an Iranian plane on suspicion it was carrying funds for Hezbollah. The editor of a Hezbollah-affiliated daily accused the forces of capitulating to American pressure; Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, said he would not adjourn the session to elect a new president on January 9, 2025, until a consensus candidate had been found. Hezbollah said that it would not veto the candidacy of Joseph Aoun, commander of the Lebanese Army. 
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Spotlight on Iran and the Shiite Axis (December 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025)

Iran rejected the claims regarding its alleged involvement in incitement and encouragement of sectarian riots in Syria and stressed its desire to establish stability and security in the country. In addition, Iran emphasized the need to end Israel’s military presence in Syria.Senior Iranian officials reiterated that the recent events in the region do not herald the weakening of the “resistance front,” especially of Hezbollah. The IRGC deputy commander declared that the “Zionist regime” would not exist within a few years.The IRGC commander praised the continued activity of the Houthis in Yemen against Israel. Iran’s representative to the United Nations rejected Israel’s claims of Iranian military involvement in Yemen.The Houthis claimed responsibility for seven attacks against Israel using missiles and drones. Three missiles were intercepted, and a drone fell in an open area. There were no casualties. The Israeli Air Force carried out another attack in Yemen, including at Sana’a International Airport. The United States also attacked Houthi targets in Yemen.The secretary-general of the Nujaba Movement confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the Iraqi government to stop attacks by pro-Iranian militias against Israel.
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Spotlight on Terrorism: Hezbollah Lebanon (December 22 – 30 ,2024)

The IDF continued thwarting Hezbollah's attempts to violate the ceasefire, attacking its terrorist operatives and destroying weapons and terrorist facilities in south Lebanon, and attacking sites used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons along the Syria-Lebanon border. The IDF reported 44 Hezbollah operatives killed since the beginning of the ceasefire; Senior Hezbollah figures claimed they were committed to the ceasefire but accused the Lebanese government and those responsible for implementing the ceasefire of not addressing "Israeli violations." The editor of a Hezbollah-affiliated daily newspaper warned of a resumption of Hezbollah's "military actions"; The interim prime minister toured south Lebanon and met with members of the ceasefire oversight committee. He criticized the "Israeli violations," demanding the full withdrawal of IDF forces and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701; According to reports, Hezbollah is appointing new leaders to replace secretary general Hassan Nasrallah and other senior figures. The organization continues its reconstruction efforts across Lebanon, but local residents complained they were not being compensated fairly; Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, said he was determined to hold the session to elect a new president on January 9, 2025. A senior Hezbollah figure claimed that the organization did not want a president who would "seek to attack the resistance."
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Spotlight on Iran and the Shiite Axis (December 18 – 25, 2024)

Senior Iranian figures continued to express recognition of the damage to the “axis of resistance” due to the revolution in Syria and the overthrow of the Assad regime, while demonstrating confidence in the ability of the axis to continue operating amid the new circumstances, especially due to the ability of Hezbollah and the other organizations to produce weapons on their own. Iran is reportedly considering smuggling weapons to Hezbollah via flights to Lebanon; The Iranian government spokeswoman said that consultations are underway on reopening the embassy in Damascus. The new Syrian regime denied having ties with Iran and announced its intention to sue Tehran for its damage to Syria; The Iranian president and foreign minister met with their counterparts from Egypt and Turkey and called for exerting pressure on Israel to stop the war in the Gaza Strip and the attacks in Lebanon and Syria; A commander of the armed factions in Jenin admitted that they were receiving assistance from Iran. A terrorist operative in Tulkarm who operated with Iranian funding was eliminated; The Houthis claimed responsibility for nine attacks against Israel using drones and ballistic missiles, including a joint attack with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Two missiles caused damage in central Israel, injuring 16 people. The Israeli Air Force attacked Houthi targets in Yemen, for the first time in the Sana’a area. 
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Spotlight on Syria (Following the Toppling of the Syrian Regime) December 16 – 23 , 2024

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) began to consolidate its rule in Syria with the appointment of defense and foreign ministers as well as the appointment of commanders of organizations that helped topple the Assad regime to the positions of provincial governors; HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara (Abu Mohammad al-Julani) held meetings with senior foreign officials who arrived in Damascus, including the Turkish foreign minister. The American assistant secretary of state praised al-Shara and announced the removal of the bounty placed on his head; A meeting of senior Druze leaders with al-Shara drew criticism in the community and warnings against cooperation with the new government; It was claimed that the Syrian regime closed the airspace to Iranian planes that made their way to Lebanon; A Hezbollah member of parliament warned that if Israel engaged in military action against Syria, Hezbollah would help Damascus. The prime minister of Lebanon’s interim government instructed the official institutions to collaborate with HTS on security matters; There were reports of continued Israeli airstrikes throughout Syria and the advance of IDF forces in southern Syria. Al-Shara stressed that the removal of Hezbollah and the pro-Iranian militias from Syria had eliminated the justification for Israeli activity against Syria and called for the involvement of the international community; Turkey is reportedly concentrating forces on the border with Syria in preparation for a large-scale operation against the Kurdish militia; The United States carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria and eliminated a senior commander in the Deir ez-Zor area.
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