Hezbollah military reconstruction potential warned by Israeli specialist

Israeli reserve colonel and Lebanese affairs specialist Guy Itzhaki has warned that while recent Israeli strikes have significantly damaged Hezbollah’s military and leadership structures, the group retains the capacity to rebuild. In an interview with the Israeli website 'ב'וק' (Evoke), Itzhaki noted that the destruction of a massive underground facility—described as Hezbollah’s 'Pentagon'—and the Israeli control of strategic locations like the Ali al-Tahir heights and Qala'at al-Shiqif are critical developments for defending northern Israel.

However, Itzhaki cautioned that if Israel fails to maintain strategic, operational, and tactical freedom of action within Lebanon, Hezbollah could rebuild a military force comparable to its strength prior to October 7, 2023, within four to five years. He highlighted that the group's recovery is closely tied to Iranian support, specifically the role of Iranian officers in providing expertise and resources. While the current leadership surrounding Secretary-General Naim Qassem is assessed as weaker than previous iterations, the potential for reconstruction remains a significant long-term security concern.