Daijiworld Media Network- Beirut
Beirut, Apr 4: Hezbollah, the powerful Shia Muslim group known for its political and military presence in Lebanon, finds itself at a crossroads as it grapples with setbacks inflicted by Israel’s recent bombing campaign and invasion of Lebanon. The group, which also operates as a significant political movement with parliamentary representation and an extensive social network, is now facing internal challenges and external pressure.
According to sources, Hezbollah had distributed low-tech pagers to thousands of its members, including healthcare workers like Adam, a nurse at a hospital in Lebanon. The devices, designed to avoid detection by Israeli intelligence, were meant for emergency alerts. However, the pagers turned out to be part of a sophisticated Israeli operation.
On September 17, last year, Adam’s pager began beeping with an emergency alert. Moments later, the device exploded, causing severe injuries. Adam, who lost fingers, sight in one eye, and suffered multiple burns, described the incident as a sacrifice for Hezbollah's cause. “Because we believe that the wounds are a kind of medal from God. Honouring what we go through fighting a righteous cause,” he said.
The devastating attacks prompted a massive Israeli invasion of Lebanon, further weakening Hezbollah’s infrastructure and capabilities. Additionally, with the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Iran’s support pipeline for Hezbollah has been severely disrupted, leaving the group struggling for resources.
In southern Lebanon, support for Hezbollah remains strong in many areas, despite the widespread destruction. However, there are growing murmurs of discontent from sections of its supporters over inadequate reconstruction efforts and diminishing funds.
The newly-formed Lebanese government has also vowed to disarm Hezbollah, posing a significant challenge to the group's future as a military force. With its traditional supply routes compromised and political pressures mounting, Hezbollah faces an uncertain future.
As the group strives to rebuild its resources and influence, questions remain about its ability to adapt to the changing dynamics in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.