ALBAWABA - Two Hezbollah insiders said the party is preparing for a lengthy struggle in southern Lebanon after Israel assassinated numerous important commanders. A new military command has been created by the Lebanese terrorist organization to oversee the Israeli conflict.
Over the last three weeks, Israel's airstrikes have killed Hassan Nasrallah, but Hezbollah has resisted. As Israeli troops press further into Lebanon to neutralize Hezbollah along the border, friends and opponents are watching the group's coordination.
Four sources told Reuters that Hezbollah still has a large arsenal, including modern precision-guided missiles that have yet to be used. This contradicts Israeli allegations that airstrikes have greatly diminished Hezbollah's arsenal.
The two individuals, including a Hezbollah field commander, said the organization's leadership was in chaos following Nasrallah's killing on September 27. Within 72 hours, the gang created a "operations room" to coordinate.
An Israeli attack on Hezbollah's subterranean headquarters in Beirut killed Nasrallah, several senior leaders, including a top Iranian military commander.
The new leadership structure allows Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon to attack and launch rockets under central command despite Israeli bombardments, according to sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
According to Alma Research Center expert Avraham Levin, Hezbollah is likely "well-prepared" for future conflicts with Israeli troops and should not be underestimated. "The destruction of Hezbollah's command chain does not eliminate their ability to launch attacks on Israeli population centers or to target Israeli forces."
The Hezbollah field commander stressed that the group's fighters can adapt to changing conditions. He called the new leadership a "small, tight-knit circle" that communicates with frontline soldiers. Hezbollah's new leadership structure and activities remain secret. Hezbollah has yet to nominate a new Secretary-General to succeed Nasrallah, although Israeli sources say his probable replacement was killed in recent operations.
Despite the continued battle, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem supported peace attempts and reassured that the group's military capabilities are intact.
