Hamas established independent military presence in Lebanon

Intelligence analysis of documents seized in Gaza reveals that Hamas has established an independent military presence in Lebanon. Supported by Iran and Hezbollah, this move aims to open a northern front against Israel as part of a multi-front strategic campaign.

According to findings from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, the initiative dates back to 2012. During that time, senior Hamas officials held secret meetings with Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and representatives of the Iranian Quds Force to agree on building autonomous military infrastructure, including fighter cores and missile systems.

This infrastructure became operational during the ‘Guardian of the Walls’ operation in May 2021, when Hamas launched rockets from southern Lebanon with Hezbollah's approval and established a joint command center in Beirut with Iranian representatives. Following that conflict, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar reportedly accelerated plans to expand this Lebanese presence.