BEIRUT/JERUSALEM. In the wake of intensified Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, is demonstrating remarkable resilience due to its flexible command structure, extensive tunnel network, and a vast arsenal of missiles. Despite unprecedented blows, the group has swiftly adapted, maintaining operations and replenishing leadership, sources close to Hezbollah’s operations revealed.
Since the escalation of violence earlier this month, Israel has targeted key Hezbollah commanders and destroyed numerous rocket sites. Among those killed was Ibrahim Aqil, founder and leader of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force, whose death, according to Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi, “shook the organization.”
Israel’s relentless strikes, especially in Beirut’s southern suburbs, have caused significant casualties. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, over 560 people, including 50 children, were killed on Monday alone. The air raids also injured 1,500 Hezbollah fighters, many suffering severe injuries from explosive devices hidden in communication tools.
Despite these losses, Hezbollah quickly appointed replacements for fallen leaders, as the group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stated, “We swiftly fill gaps whenever a leader is martyred” (“نحن نملأ الفجوات بسرعة عندما يُستشهد قائد”). This resilient chain of command, coupled with Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure, has allowed the group to continue its missile strikes against Israel.
Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets deep into Israeli territory, showcasing its extensive firepower. On Wednesday, the group claimed responsibility for firing a missile at an Israeli intelligence base near Tel Aviv. Israel’s air defense systems intercepted the missile, but the attack demonstrated Hezbollah’s ability to strike far from the border.
Hezbollah is believed to possess a significant number of precision-guided rockets, including the Iranian-made Fateh-110 ballistic missile, capable of carrying a warhead of up to 500 kilograms over distances of up to 300 kilometers. The underground arsenal, believed to house as many as 150,000 rockets, remains largely intact despite Israeli efforts to degrade the group’s capabilities. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, “We have destroyed tens of thousands of Hezbollah rockets,” though these claims remain unverified.
Hezbollah’s tunnel network, reportedly stretching for hundreds of kilometers, is another vital component of its defense strategy. These tunnels, many hidden beneath civilian homes in southern Lebanon, have allowed the group to continue operations despite sustained Israeli bombings. The group has been known to use these underground routes to transport rockets and launch attacks undetected.
Hezbollah has adapted to technological warfare as well, relying on a dedicated fixed-line communication system and older pager models after banning the use of mobile phones on the battlefield. This strategy has helped maintain the group’s internal communications despite attempts by Israel to disrupt its operations.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about a broader regional war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a preference for a negotiated withdrawal of Hezbollah from the border region but has not ruled out further military action. Meanwhile, Iran, Hezbollah’s main ally, has warned of “irreversible” consequences if the conflict escalates further. “A full-blown war would have devastating effects across the Middle East,” stated Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
As both Hezbollah and Israel prepare for a prolonged confrontation, the international community is watching closely, fearing the involvement of external powers like the U.S. and Iran. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the resilience of Hezbollah’s command structure and its ability to continue launching attacks underscore the complexities of this evolving conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
