In a rare and revealing interview, a Hezbollah field commander, known only as Jihad, offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the secretive Shia Muslim militia. This interview provides a unique perspective on Hezbollah's continued capabilities, its evolving command structure, and the tactics it employs to evade Israeli surveillance.
Jihad, a 62-year-old member of Hezbollah's military wing since 2001, describes a group that has returned to basics after a series of setbacks. The September 2024 Israeli attack on Hezbollah, which involved the explosion of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies, led to the death of dozens and a shift in Hezbollah's approach. Since then, the group has eschewed cell phones and imported electronics, relying instead on old-fashioned Motorola devices and radio transmitters. Some orders are even passed via handwritten notes, carried by couriers on motorbikes, showcasing a return to more traditional communication methods.
Hezbollah's command structure has also undergone a transformation. Under the leadership of Naim Qassem, the group has adopted a decentralized approach, inspired by the late Imad Mughniyeh. This structure involves fighters being split into semi-autonomous units, each with specific tasks, ensuring a level of security and compartmentalization. Jihad compares this to a journalistic model, where each member's role reflects their expertise and experience.
The interview also sheds light on Hezbollah's rearmament efforts. Despite the 2024 war, Jihad claims that the group's arsenal remained largely untouched. Hezbollah pointed Lebanese soldiers to disused or damaged stockpiles, allowing them to confiscate those items. However, the real weapons were left intact. Since then, Hezbollah has rearmed with a mix of imported and domestically manufactured weapons, taking advantage of the internet's wealth of manufacturing knowledge.
Jihad also addresses the group's relationship with Iran. He suggests that Hezbollah is both closer to Iran and more compartmentalized under Qassem's leadership. The group's supply route through Syria, previously severed, has been reestablished, allowing for the smuggling of advanced weapons like Kornets and Konkurs anti-tank weapons.
The interview concludes with a sense of urgency as Jihad abruptly ends the call due to the proximity of Israeli drones and warplanes. This highlights the constant threat and the need for Hezbollah to remain vigilant and adaptable in its fight against Israel.
