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Hezbollah did not stop at involving Lebanon unwillingly in the war against Israel “in support of Gaza”, but went as far as involving civilians in a donation campaign to finance the purchase of missiles, and the acquisition of drones to continue its fight against the Hebrew state.
At war since October 8, the pro-Iranian party has broadcasted, a week ago, two video clips urging its partisans to finance its armament. It provided telephone numbers for contact purposes, encouraging civilians to “be part of the battle”. The campaign raised questions about the financial situation of the party, which maintains a military wing with thousands of fighters and a vast arsenal. It coincides with deepening financial difficulties facing Iran, Hezbollah’s main financial backer, which is subject to severe American and Western sanctions.
Why did Hezbollah launch this appeal? What about Iran’s unconditional support? Is there a link between the request for compensation to families whose properties were damaged as a result of Hezbollah’s war and the donation campaign?
Engaging his popular base
“This appeal would be a way of engaging his entourage and popular base further in his politics,” journalist and political analyst Ali Hamade told This is Beirut. He considered that this initiative would demonstrate the unity and solidarity of his supporters and partisans, showing that their commitment remains as strong and solid as it was on the first day of the war in support of Gaza.
Hamade pointed out that this appeal was probably not due to funding problems from Iran, adding “Hezbollah remains the jewel in Iran’s crown in the region.” He emphasized Hezbollah’s illicit means of financing beyond Iranian support, noting its integration into the Lebanese economy, particularly the illegal economy and various illegal networks. “It also benefits from foreign support from countries such as Iraq and Yemen, as well as its business networks in Latin America and Africa,” he added.
However, Hamade assured that the pro-Iranian party is under financial pressure and that this “war of attrition” in the South has significantly impacted dozens of villages, which have been partially or almost completely destroyed over the past eight months. He pointed out that Hezbollah would have responsibilities toward the 100,000 displaced persons who had fled the border with Israel.
A link between the demand for compensation and the appeal for donations?
A heated debate has sparked between opponents and supporters regarding compensation for families in South Lebanon. On 5/28/2024, the Council of Ministers approved Resolution No. 21/2024 to transfer 93,600,000,000 Lebanese pounds to aid some families of those killed in Israeli attacks after 10/7/2023. This decree, based on a table from the Southern Council, covers 52 families of killed fighters as a first batch, out of a total of 428 families. Only 64 families of the total are those of civilians killed in south Lebanon until 5/22/2024. Questions were raised to caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, notably by the Lebanese Forces, about the legality of compensating fighters who went to war without state authorization using Lebanese funds.
“No doubt there could be a connection between the demand for compensation and the appeal for donations,” Hamade said. Pointing at sanctions imposed by the West, he noted that “it is not an easy task to make a donation to the Shiite party, especially if it comes from wealthy people and businessmen from the Shiite community.” He said that these donations would come in substantial amounts and transferring them to Lebanon is complicated in these times.
Regarding the Shiite party’s military and financial capabilities, Hamade said that these had not yet been compromised. Hezbollah declared recently that it has used 5% of its military capacities, while other sources indicated that 20% had been used after eight months of war, leaving 80% intact.
The cross-border exchange of fire have intensified at the start of the week. Israeli officials threaten to ‘burn all of Lebanon and return it to the Stone Age’, while Hezbollah claims to be ‘ready for an all-out war’.
