Internal Rift Widens in Hezbollah Over Potential War Involving Iran
A sharp rift divides Hezbollah's political leadership, which opposes entering a new war, and its military wing, which awaits IRGC directives amid mounting pressure in Lebanon.
A deep internal rift has emerged within Hezbollah's leadership regarding a potential new war between Iran, the United States, and Israel, a Lebanese security source told the "Erem News" website. According to the source, while the organization's political wing strongly opposes joining a new conflict, the senior military leadership is awaiting direct directives from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before finalizing its stance.
The source explained that Hezbollah's political echelon fears that involvement in another war would deepen the severe damage previously inflicted on the group and its supporters, jeopardizing its remaining influence within Lebanese state institutions. This comes amid mounting pressure from the Lebanese government and the international community to disarm the organization.
Military Wing Awaits Tehran's Orders
In contrast, the military leadership does not view the decision to enter a war as an internal Lebanese issue, but rather as part of the broader regional campaign and Iran's strategic calculations. Consequently, senior military commanders are awaiting the position of the IRGC in the event of a renewed US-Israeli strike against Iran.
The source noted that the primary danger lies not only in these disagreements, but also in the diminishing ability of political leaders to influence strategic and military decisions, including whether to enter a conflict. Their current influence is significantly reduced compared to the era when Hassan Nasrallah led the organization.
Political Fears and Internal Pressure
The opposition among senior political figures stems from multiple domestic concerns, primarily casualties, property damage, the displaced persons crisis, and the heavy burdens of reconstruction in previously battered areas.
Political leaders recognize that the organization can hardly bear the costs of another expansive military campaign. They also understand that a fresh escalation would intensify friction with Lebanese state institutions, especially as the government moves from demanding weapons regulation to consolidating security control within official bodies.
These concerns are echoed in political efforts across Lebanon to prevent the nation from sliding into another regional war. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has reportedly warned Hezbollah against joining a new conflict alongside Iran, while Loyalty to the Resistance bloc leader Mohammad Raad expressed openness to avoiding escalation during a meeting with a Qatari official.
Reorganization and Post-Nasrallah Dynamics
The security source emphasized that structural changes following the elimination of Nasrallah and top military commanders have tightened direct communication channels between Hezbollah's Jihad Council and the IRGC. Reuters reported in March that Iranian officers deployed to Lebanon to help reorganize Hezbollah's military leadership into smaller, autonomous units following severe security breaches.
These close ties explain why the military wing defers to Tehran. However, the source noted that no final decision on entering a war has been made yet, and operational preparations do not automatically signal an imminent opening of a new front.
