The US Congress has published a document on the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah in October 25, 2024, which escalated after Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023. Key aspects of this conflict highlight the advanced military material and capabilities at play, with significant losses on both sides. Israel has focused its efforts on undermining Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, while Hezbollah’s material resources, including advanced missiles and drones, underscore the group’s resilient military stance despite substantial setbacks.
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IDF soldiers discovered a cache of weapons, including grenade launchers, shoulder-fired missiles, RPGs, combat vests, Kornet missiles, and other arms, inside a mosque located within a civilian neighborhood in southern Lebanon. (Picture source: Israel Defense Forces)
Israel’s campaign has demonstrated formidable air power, relying heavily on precision-guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The Israeli Air Force, with its fleet of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, has executed deep-penetration missions into Lebanese and Syrian territories, targeting Hezbollah’s command centers and high-ranking leadership. Israel’s networked command and control systems facilitate coordinated strikes that are highly precise and capable of minimizing collateral damage, thus reinforcing its tactical upper hand. These air operations are supplemented by ground forces equipped with guided missiles and precision artillery, making Israeli forces exceptionally lethal in limited cross-border incursions.
Israel’s electronic warfare units have also disrupted Hezbollah’s communications and tracking capabilities, a critical part of their strategy to undermine the group’s command structure. Coupled with sophisticated intelligence operations, Israel’s ability to penetrate Hezbollah’s defenses has been effective, targeting major figures within the organization, including the group’s long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This intelligence-driven approach not only weakened Hezbollah’s operational structure but also underscored Israel’s mastery in cyber and signals intelligence, allowing it to predict and intercept Hezbollah’s strategic moves.
Despite these losses, Hezbollah retains significant military material and resources, sourced primarily through its longstanding alliance with Iran. Precision-guided missiles, drones, and anti-tank weapons form the backbone of Hezbollah’s arsenal, enabling it to mount a sustained resistance and keep up the pressure on Israeli targets. Iran’s advanced weaponry, including Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar missiles, provides Hezbollah with extended reach, posing a direct threat to Israel’s population centers. Hezbollah’s anti-tank guided missiles, such as the Kornet, are equally effective, capable of penetrating Israeli armor and challenging any ground incursion attempts by Israel.
Hezbollah’s underground tunnel network across southern Lebanon is another critical asset, providing the group with a unique advantage in both defense and offense. These tunnels facilitate the safe movement of munitions and personnel while allowing Hezbollah to execute surprise attacks from fortified positions. Despite Israel’s efforts to locate and destroy segments of this network, Hezbollah’s tunnels remain extensive and resilient, presenting a substantial obstacle for Israeli forces and making ground operations increasingly complex.
The involvement of the United States adds a layer of international support for Israel, both materially and diplomatically. The U.S. has invested heavily in Israel’s defense, providing funding for the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems, which are crucial in intercepting Hezbollah’s rockets. The advanced military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel extends to intelligence-sharing, bolstering Israel’s capability to detect and neutralize Hezbollah’s attempts to expand its material capacities.