On Monday, Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned group based in Lebanon, organized several events expressing solidarity with Tehran, affirming its ongoing commitment to what it calls its “just and sacred fight” against Israel and the United States.
Sheikh Naim Kasem, a leader within the organization, stated, “Israel is a criminal and America is tyrannical. We have every right to say ‘no’,” as reported by an Iranian media outlet.
Although Hezbollah collaborates with the political party Venia in Lebanon, it primarily functions as an Iranian proxy group that poses a threat to Israel. Interestingly, it has also acted as a conduit for nations like Venezuela and Cuba. Over the past decade, Hezbollah established a significant drug trafficking operation in Latin America, utilizing various resources from home, including dubious Venezuelan legal documents.
Once, jihadist organizations were the most significant contributors to Iran’s “axis of resistance,” a network financially supported by Iran. In 2020, the State Department estimated that Tehran was providing Hezbollah with around $700 million annually, alongside funds for other groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Following the intense events in Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah was quick to assist its ally Hamas.
However, during Israel’s military actions aimed at dismantling Iran’s army and nuclear ambitions on June 13, Hezbollah did not engage in efforts to defend Iran, seemingly taking a step back. A ceasefire was later established between Iran, Israel, and the United States on June 23.
Qasem, who succeeded long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah last year, made a public appearance on Monday, just a week after the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran.
“We are on the defensive. Don’t suggest we shouldn’t protect ourselves!” he declared passionately in Beirut. “Don’t expect us to yield to a tyrant looking to control humanity’s destiny. We will never give in to invaders.”
“Occupation is temporary; liberation is what we ultimately seek,” Qasem added, asserting Hezbollah’s commitment to “defending our rights.”
He expressed optimism about a future filled with dignity, insisting that true justice will come when they reclaim their land and resist impositions from Israel and the U.S.
At another gathering that day, senior Hezbollah figure Mahmoud Qomati praised Iran’s influence and reaffirmed Hezbollah’s dedication to supporting Tehran.
“We will not compromise in protecting our land, nor allow our dignity and resistance to be undermined,” Qomati stated. He notably did not address Hezbollah’s absence during the 12-day conflict with Israel.
Furthermore, Qomati cautioned that U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies were attempting to distort the truth regarding Iran’s leadership, according to reports.
Following the October 7 attack, Hezbollah gained a more prominent role in Hamas’ defense, persistently targeting Israel into late 2023 and 2024. The Israeli Defense Forces conducted multiple operations to mitigate the threat from Hezbollah, stating they would retaliate against any incoming attacks.
Despite their initial concerns, both Hezbollah and Hamas faced substantial setbacks by late 2024, including leadership losses. A coordinated surprise attack happened in September, utilizing basic technology to target numerous Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon simultaneously. While Israel was suspected of involvement, many reports hinted at intelligence collaboration.
By the end of September, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut had eliminated Hassan Nasrallah, severely impacting the group’s structure.
Reports following the June 13 attack suggested that Hezbollah, reeling from its losses, was hesitant to engage in protective actions for Tehran. An Emirati newspaper mentioned that Hezbollah made it clear it wouldn’t participate in any retaliation, citing a source that claimed “Iran can manage on its own.” There was little evidence of Hezbollah preparing for attacks against Israel, and indications suggested the Lebanese government advised against further conflict.
On June 26, shortly after the ceasefire, the same newspaper reported that internal and external pressures had kept Hezbollah out of the Iran-Israel conflict, with Iran encouraging the group to recuperate while Lebanon was cautious about inviting more warfare. Hezbollah’s leadership reportedly felt overwhelmed, claiming to be “under pressure to protect itself.”
