Why Hezbollah matters in the Israel-Hamas war

On the evening of Wednesday, October 11, rocket sirens blared at multiple locations in Northern Israel along the Lebanon border. A few hours later, reports emerged of a "hostile aircraft" crossing into Israel.

However, this turned out to be a false alarm, while the first one was not.

Nonetheless, the speculation of Hezbollah joining forces with Hamas in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war gained traction. The prospect of a two-front war still looms, even if Hezbollah has not officially engaged with Israel. These rocket sirens were no surprise, as Hezbollah occasionally launches rockets at Israel from its safe havens in Lebanon and Syria.

So, what exactly is Hezbollah?

With these statements in mind, it becomes clear why it is seen as a significant card in Hamas's hand in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

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Let's take an objective look at Hezbollah:

• ​​​The group considers Israel its primary adversary, with instances of attacks on Israel and Jews abroad
• Born out of opposition to Israel and Western influence in the region, Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based designated militant organisation is often referred to as "a state within a state" due to its extensive security apparatus, social services network, and significant political influence.
• With deep ties to Shia Iran and Syria, it has evolved from its original mission of Islamic nationalism.
• According to a CSIF report, it receives around $700-800 million per year. Additionally, it obtains millions of dollars annually from businesses, criminal enterprises, and the Lebanese diaspora.
• In 1992, it gained legitimacy after winning eight seats in the Lebanese Parliament.
• In 1983, Hezbollah was involved in the bombings of the US embassy in Beirut and suicide attacks on barracks housing US and French troops.

• In 2006, the group's abduction of two Israeli soldiers led to a month-long clash with Israel, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

• Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian civil war intensified, with the group sending thousands of fighters to support Bashar al-Assad's regime. The Syrian Civil War also honed the group's expertise in fighting tough military battles and wars.

• Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim political party and militant organization based in Lebanon, translating to "party of God." Its arsenal of missiles and other weapons, primarily supplied by Iran, makes it a formidable force in the region.

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Now, the equation:

• Hezbollah has faced criticism in recent years within Lebanon as the country grapples with political and economic challenges.
• Its role in the 2020 Beirut port explosions, which killed 218, has further eroded its purchase among people, even the Shias.

• Hezbollah has expressed solidarity with Hamas and, following the recent Hamas attack on Israel, engaged in cross-border fire with Israeli forces in the last few days. It has reportedly praised Hamas and warned against Israel-Arab normalisation.
• Currently, Hezbollah's leadership may be reluctant to engage in a full-scale war with Israel, especially with the United States likely to support the latter. It may continue with covert operations and acts of terrorism to achieve its objectives.
  Nevertheless, the potential for a broader regional conflict remains, and the situation in Lebanon remains fragile.

Despite their sectarian differences, both Sunni Hamas and Shia Hezbollah share a common goal: the destruction of Israel.

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