Hezbollah Acknowledges ‘Shortcomings, Breaches' in Operations, Security

Asharq Al-Awsat

05-03-2025

For the first time in more than three months since its truce with Israel took effect, a Hezbollah official acknowledged on Tuesday 'shortcomings and security breaches.'
According to Nawaf al-Moussawi, Hezbollah's head of resources and borders, the shortcomings and security breaches led to heavy losses for the Iran-backed party in the recent war.
They contributed to the success of Israel's 2024 pager attacks and the deaths of 4,700 Hezbollah fighters and commanders.
Moussawi said Israel's gains were not a result of superior intelligence but rather 'our own shortcomings, and at times, negligence.'
In a televised interview, Moussawi said Hezbollah could strike Israeli forces effectively if it addressed these weaknesses and resolved its technical and human security breaches.
'The scale of the shortcomings and vulnerabilities is significant,' he added.
His remarks came hours after a different assessment from Hezbollah lawmaker Ali al-Muqdad, who said the group had 'fully recovered and restored its organizational structure.'
Political analyst Qassem Kassir, an expert on Hezbollah affairs, said the group is restructuring its political and organizational framework, with some leadership changes already announced and others still undisclosed.
'Hezbollah is currently in a phase of reassessment and reorganization,' Kassir told Asharq Al-Awsat.
'The group is prioritizing evaluating recent events, rebuilding its infrastructure, reconstruction efforts, and preparing for upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections,' he explained.
Retired Gen. Dr. Hisham Jaber, head of the Middle East Center for Strategic Studies, said that Hezbollah has not fully recovered and is still in the process of doing so.
'The leadership gaps, especially in the new leadership and Shura Council, have not been filled yet, and the focus has mostly been on field commanders,' Jaber explained.
He added that Hezbollah still has 90% of its manpower and a large weapons stockpile.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Jaber noted that there have been no public information on internal breaches or betrayals within the group, and investigations are still ongoing.
'Until these investigations are finished, it's too early to talk about addressing the breaches that occurred during the war,' he said.
Jaber clarified that restructuring Hezbollah and restoring its strength does not mean it will start another war with Israel.
'Launching a war would require certain conditions. After Lebanon's state-building, Hezbollah cannot unilaterally declare war, or it risks losing its influence,' he said.
Last month, Hezbollah media published an image showing leaders who were killed in the latest war with Israel.
The image included 35 leaders, as well as former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
Political activist and editor of the Janoubia news website, Ali Amine, said the war with Israel nearly ended Hezbollah.
'The damage was severe and may never be fully repaired. The group's security and military structure has been permanently weakened,' he explained.
Amin added that while filling leadership roles within Hezbollah may not be difficult, the party's influence and strength in the region have been seriously damaged.
'Hezbollah is now more cautious in its dealings with Israel, while still declaring its commitment to Lebanon's state framework,' he said. 'This reflects the current reality of Hezbollah, once seen by its leaders as a major force in Middle East politics.'