In late September, as the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks approached and the Gaza Strip lay in ruins, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new strategic priority: attacking Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Despite a brutal campaign that killed the group’s leadership and displaced over 1.2 million civilians, Hezbollah remains a formidable adversary; it recently even carried out a drone strike on Netanyahu’s own home.
This article examines how Hezbollah has survived, adapted, and continues to strike back despite overwhelming Israeli firepower.In late September, Israeli forces began a massive bombing campaign. Among the prominent Hezbollah figures killed were:
Hassan Nasrallah (Secretary-General), Hashem Safieddine (Deputy Leader), Nabil Kaouk, Ibrahim Aqil, and Ali Karaki (senior military commanders).
These attacks targeted Hezbollah targets in Dahiyeh, the Bekaa Valley, and even central Beirut, including drone workshops and financial centers.
Psychological BombingAccording to reports, Israel also detonated thousands of booby-trapped communication devices (pagers, walkie-talkies), killing both fighters and civilians. The goal: to eliminate Hezbollah’s centralized command.
Hezbollah’s Resilient Structure and Strategy
Despite these catastrophic blows, Hezbollah continues to operate. Why?Autonomous Units
Hezbollah’s military strategy is based on decentralization. Small, highly trained units operate independently, empowered to make their own tactical decisions. This mission-oriented approach to command has allowed the group to maintain its operational capabilities even after its leadership has been eliminated.
High Mobility and Dispersion
Hezbollah relies on tactics developed in previous conflicts, such as:
Tunnels and underground shelters. Mobile missile platforms. Mountain bikes for stealth transport. Rapid preparation and dispersal (less than 30 seconds to launch a missile). 3. Continuing retaliatory actions against Israel.