Hezbollah’s strategy analyst on assassination of top commanders: Won’t be affected

Israel seems to be set on eliminating Hezbollah’s leadership. It began with the killing of Fuad Shukr, the group’s chief of staff, on July 30. Since then, Israel has swiftly targeted other senior commanders of the Iran-backed militant organisation, with the most major blow being the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah on September 27.

As Hezbollah is facing the heat from the Israeli military, India Today TV spoke to Dr Ali Hamie, a Hezbollah strategy analyst. Hamie, who is currently in hiding as he is being hunted by Israeli forces, shared his insights from an undisclosed location.

Recent assassinations of top Hezbollah commanders, while significant, have not compromised the organisation’s strength, Hamie claimed.

“Hezbollah won’t be affected… they were old, and I think it was time for their retirement anyway,” he remarked, stressing that these leaders had already paved the way for their successors. Their contributions to the resistance, he added, would ensure Lebanon’s defence continues unabated.

Hezbollah has undergone significant restructuring within its command, ensuring the continuity of leadership even under extreme circumstances.

According to Hamie, the chain of command is resilient and prepared for events such as assassinations. He explained that the organisation has implemented a system where an emergency commander takes over if the primary leader is incapacitated.

“There are always military circumstances where a commander, and then a commander for emergency exist,” he said, noting the group’s ability to seamlessly transfer responsibilities between commanders.

This structure is not only strategic but deeply ingrained in Hezbollah’s operational plans.

“In a case of assassination, the responsibilities of the current commander transfer to the next, and they have the same capability,” he explained. This ensures that Hezbollah’s leadership remains intact, and its missions continue without disruption, he noted.

Hamie also pointed to the effectiveness of new commanders now leading the group. “The new commanders in place are younger, and they have more effectiveness with the latest technology,” he said, suggesting that these new leaders are better equipped to handle modern warfare.

According to Hamie, these advancements offer Hezbollah a strategic edge in its ongoing conflict with Israel.

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