Latest Developments

Hezbollah increased its threats to Israel on November 2, firing a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli drone. Israel said the missile did not damage the drone. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the attack by striking both the terrorist cell that fired the missile and the launch site. Hezbollah also carried out missile and rocket attacks targeting Mount Dov on the Israel-Lebanon border. The increasing attacks from Hezbollah come as Iran has also threatened to escalate the conflict against Israel in the wake of the Hamas massacre of 1,400 Israelis on October 7. Israel launched a ground offensive against Hamas on October 27.

Expert Analysis

“Hezbollah’s recent attempt to shoot down an Israeli drone and its daily attacks on Israel illustrate that the Iranian-backed terror group is not deterred. Hezbollah is trying to distract Israel from fighting Hamas in Gaza and is putting Lebanese at risk through its daily attacks along the border.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Israel’s objective is to manage its other fronts while it focuses on Gaza. For the time being, Hezbollah has not struck deep inside Israeli territory, focusing its attack on targets near the border. In response, Israel has adopted a similar strategy by restricting strikes to Hezbollah outposts near the border as well as preempting threats from rocket and guided missile squads approaching its borders.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Hezbollah’s Arsenal of Weapons

Hezbollah has stockpiled more than 150,000 missiles and other weapons over the last decades, making it one of the most heavily armed terrorist groups in the world. Hezbollah has conducted military-style parades showcasing its arsenal and established a museum to spotlight its weapons. It also has produced propaganda videos over the years threatening Israel with attacks. In the last three weeks, Hezbollah has frequently fired anti-tank missiles and rockets toward Israel. The Jewish state has retaliated with artillery and airstrikes.

Nasrallah’s Speech

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to make a speech on November 3, his first address since October 7. The speech is intended to commemorate Hezbollah members who have been killed in dozens of attacks on Israel over the last month. There is a risk that the speech could lead to escalation between Hezbollah and Israel and set the stage for more Iranian-backed attacks in the region. Hezbollah’s attacks have caused Israel to evacuate 42 communities and one city along the border, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to leave their homes.

“Hezbollah Introduces New Missiles Into Conflict With Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah death toll continues to rise,” by Joe Truzman

“Israel Launches Second Stage of War Against Hamas,” FDD Flash Brief