“A Wounded Tiger”: Israeli Report Admits Hezbollah’s Enduring Strength Despite Intelligence Concerns

In a recent report that reveals more about Israeli anxiety than military fact, the Israeli Alma Research and Education Center, known for its focus on Hezbollah affairs, claimed that the group is experiencing a “deep internal crisis”—even as it continues to operate with vigilance along the border.

The report, quoted by the Hebrew daily Maariv, suggests Hezbollah remains active despite reported setbacks. It floated the possibility of disarmament, but only if both the Israeli and Lebanese governments reach a decisive agreement—something historically unrealistic given the group’s foundational role in resisting Israeli occupation.

Alma admitted that “severe damage” had been inflicted on Hezbollah’s leadership, prompting Iranian involvement to assist in rehabilitation, while expressing Israeli fears of internal trust issues and potential intelligence leaks within Hezbollah’s ranks. Yet, despite these claims, the report also conceded that Hezbollah is far from defeated, urging Israeli authorities to remain on high alert.

The “Wounded Tiger” Dilemma

The report paints Hezbollah as a “wounded tiger”—a force that, though injured, could retaliate unpredictably inside Lebanon, causing internal escalation. Israeli analysts warned of the need for continued confrontation and reinforcing Israel’s long-term endurance capabilities, as well as capitalising on what they describe as a “historic opportunity” to weaken Hezbollah further—should the Lebanese state be ready to confront it, a notion that appears far-fetched on the ground.

The report also acknowledged that approximately 15% of Hezbollah’s force has been affected, with some senior commanders killed or incapacitated. Specific units—including the elite Radwan Forces, and the Nasr and Aziz Units in southern Lebanon—have allegedly suffered damage. Alma suggested that the Radwan unit has temporarily lost its operational capacity to breach into the Galilee, although border activity remains steady, with fighters still visibly stationed near the frontier.

Furthermore, the center claimed that parts of Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure in South Lebanon had been destroyed. However, extensive fortified networks reportedly remain both north and south of the Litani River, and deeper into the Bekaa Valley, highlighting the movement’s long-standing strategic depth.

Iranian Support & Reconstruction Efforts

Alma’s report confirmed that Iran continues to support Hezbollah, not just ideologically but militarily and economically. This includes efforts to rebuild weapons arsenals via domestic manufacturing, arms smuggling, and transfers of funds and gold. These activities have faced mounting Israeli pressure, particularly along the Lebanese–Syrian border, where Hezbollah is reportedly adapting by establishing new smuggling routes.

Despite such challenges, the movement is described as “actively pursuing recovery”, while Israeli aggression and border provocations continue unabated.

Internal Challenges and Local Dominance

The report also pointed to increasing internal trust issues within Hezbollah and fears of intelligence breaches, but stopped short of identifying any actual structural collapse. In contrast, it acknowledged a rise in activity by the Lebanese Army, alongside the emergence of new political forces—though Hezbollah remains Lebanon’s most powerful domestic actor by far.

Alma concluded that despite perceived setbacks, Hezbollah’s core ideology remains intact. Its commitment to armed resistance against Israeli aggression is non-negotiable, rooted in honour, pride, and unwavering belief in the legitimacy of its struggle.

“Disarmament is possible,” the report concluded, “but only if there is strong political will from both Lebanon and Israel.”

Yet, to those who know the resistance, this statement only exposes the wishful thinking behind the Zionist establishment’s media machine.