Is Hezbollah More Powerful Than the Lebanese Army?

The question of whether Hezbollah is more powerful than the Lebanese Army is a critical one, especially given the recent geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the region. This article delves into the comparative strengths and weaknesses of both Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army, based on the available information.

Comparative Strengths of Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army

Hezbollah:
Hezbollah is often described as a very large, well-trained professional army, significantly contrasted with the Lebanese Army, which is considered very small, poorly equipped, and poorly led. Before the Israeli strikes into Lebanon, Hezbollah had a much superior military power than the Lebanese Army. Hezbollah has a well-equipped and trained military wing, often referred to as a state within a state. This wing poses a significant threat due to its arsenal of weapons, including rockets and missiles, which surpass the capabilities of the Lebanese Army.

Hezbollah fighters, who have extensive combat experience, particularly in Syria fighting alongside government forces, possess a considerable tactical proficiency. Moreover, Hezbollah's political influence in Lebanon is substantial, holding seats in the parliament and influencing government decisions. This political power grants it a degree of autonomy that the Lebanese Army does not enjoy. Additionally, Hezbollah receives substantial support from Iran, which further enhances its military and political operations.

The Current State of Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army

Hezbollah:
Despite its strengths, the current situation of Hezbollah is not as favorable as it once was. Recent Israeli strikes have weakened its capabilities, leading some to describe Hezbollah as a "walking corpse." With a little courage and Israel's cooperation, the Lebanese Army could drive Hezbollah from its land. However, it is worth noting that Hezbollah is one of the two largest terrorist organizations worldwide. If Israel were to take decisive action, it could potentially wipe Hezbollah from the face of the earth within 24 hours.

Lebanese Army:
On the other hand, the Lebanese Army, recognized as the official military of Lebanon by the international community, plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security. It has received support from various countries, including the United States and France. However, the effectiveness of the Lebanese Army is often questioned, as Lebanon’s political structure and regional conflicts often limit its operational capabilities.

The Complex Dynamics Between Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army

The relationship between Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army is complex and influenced by Lebanon’s sectarian politics and regional conflicts. The Lebanese government, which has been described as a department of Hezbollah, often does not make strong public statements against Israel, nor do they take definitive actions to combat Hezbollah's operations. This state of affairs further complicates efforts to evaluate the power dynamics between the two parties.

Conclusion

The answer to whether Hezbollah is more powerful than the Lebanese Army is not straightforward. While Hezbollah possesses a significant military and political power, the Lebanese Army has been weakened by recent events and lacks the political and international support needed to counter Hezbollah effectively. The dynamics between these two entities are shaped by Lebanon's complex political landscape and regional conflicts, making a definitive assessment challenging.

Key Takeaways

Hezbollah is one of the two largest terrorist organizations globally. The current state of the Lebanese Army is weak due to recent events and regional conflicts. Hezbollah has substantial political influence and significant military capabilities. Lebanon's government is often seen as a department of Hezbollah, limiting its effectiveness. The Lebanese Army's operational capabilities are enhanced by international support.

References

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