Hezbollah’s Tunnels and Flexible Command Weather Israel’s Deadly Strikes

By Laila Bassam and James Mackenzie

BEIRUT/JERUSALEM – Hezbollah’s adaptable command structure, extensive tunnel network, and a considerable stockpile of missiles and weapons have allowed the group to cope with intense Israeli attacks, according to sources familiar with its operations.

In recent days, Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah have intensified, targeting high-ranking commanders and using detonated communication devices. This assault has significantly impacted the influential Lebanese Shiite militant group, which also functions as a political party.

On Friday, Israel eliminated Ibrahim Aqil, the founder and leader of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces. Following the violence that erupted in Lebanon earlier this week, the health ministry reported over 560 fatalities, including 50 children, as a result of airstrikes.

The Israeli military chief, Herzi Halevi, stated that Aqil’s death had rattled Hezbollah. Israel claims that its operations have destroyed thousands of the group’s rockets and munitions.

Despite these losses, two sources indicated that Hezbollah quickly replaced Aqil and other senior leaders killed in the recent airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah emphasized in a recent speech that the group promptly fills leadership gaps when necessary.

Additionally, a Hezbollah official reported that the attack on communication devices incapacitated around 1,500 fighters, with many sustaining severe injuries, including blindness and amputations. While this is a substantial setback, it represents only a small portion of the group’s overall strength, which is estimated to be between 40,000 and 50,000 fighters, although Nasrallah claims the number is as high as 100,000.

Since initiating offensive operations against Israel in October to support Hamas, Hezbollah has deployed fighters to frontline areas in southern Lebanon, including reinforcements from Syria. The group has rapidly increased the influx of rockets into Lebanon, suggesting a strategy aimed at preparing for a protracted conflict while seeking to avoid full-scale war.

Iran remains Hezbollah’s primary supporter and arms supplier, contributing to the group’s status as a key player within Tehran’s allied forces across the region. The sources did not disclose specifics about the weaponry or their procurement.

Experts note that while recent attacks have disrupted Hezbollah’s activities, the organization’s resilient command and control structures have allowed it to maintain operational capabilities on the ground. A senior lecturer from the School of Security Studies at King’s College London commented on Hezbollah’s robustness, stating that its resilience poses a significant challenge for Israeli forces.

The intensity of the conflict has escalated, with Israel killing another senior Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Qubaisi, just days later. Hezbollah has demonstrated its ongoing operational capacity, launching numerous rockets at Israeli targets.

On Wednesday, the group claimed to have struck an Israeli intelligence base near Tel Aviv, which is more than 100 kilometers from the Lebanese border. The Israeli military reported that the missile was intercepted by its defense systems.

While Hezbollah has not confirmed whether it has utilized its more advanced precision-guided missiles like the Fateh-110, the group’s communication capabilities remain intact, supported by a dedicated fixed-line network that has proven essential since the attacks on its communication devices.

Hezbollah has adapted to bans on cellphone use among its fighters on the battlefield, reverting to older pager technology, which was largely unaffected in the recent bombings. In scenarios where the command structure is compromised, fighters are trained to operate independently in small groups near the border, capable of sustained resistance, reminiscent of tactics used during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

Israel has intensified its offensive to weaken Hezbollah and ensure the safety of displaced Israeli civilians. The government in Israel prefers to negotiate with Hezbollah for a withdrawal from the border region but remains ready to continue military operations if necessary.

The ongoing violence has raised concerns of a prolonged conflict that could draw in the U.S. and Iran, especially if Israel pursues a ground invasion in southern Lebanon. Iranian officials have warned of severe repercussions if a full-scale war erupts in the region, while a U.S. State Department representative has expressed a desire to de-escalate tensions.

Recent reports also indicate that Hezbollah’s weaponry is well-concealed, with details emerging about rocket launches occurring from areas that had been previously targeted by Israel. The group is believed to possess an extensive underground arsenal, supported by advanced tunnel systems.

Hezbollah’s military capabilities have significantly expanded since the 2006 conflict, particularly in terms of precision-guided munitions. However, Israeli officials maintain that they have yet to target many of Hezbollah’s more strategic sites. There are ongoing efforts to diminish the group’s military infrastructure, which is deeply integrated into civilian areas in southern Lebanon.

While confirmed information about Hezbollah’s tunnel network is limited, it is suggested that significant support from Iran and North Korea has contributed to its development. Distinct from in Gaza, the deeper tunnels in Lebanon are less accessible and harder to dismantle, complicating Israel’s military efforts.