Hezbollah rebuilds drone unit with new cash

Lebanese security personnel briefed on internal operations state that Hezbollah has spent the last three months preparing for a potential return to war with Israel. This rearmament drive follows a recent cash injection from Tehran aimed at boosting the group's military capabilities.

The group, founded in 1982 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, suffered heavy losses during two conflicts with Israel since 2024. Thousands of fighters and numerous leaders were killed, and a large portion of its arsenal was destroyed in those engagements.

Three key developments define the current rebuilding effort. First, Hezbollah has focused on procuring explosives and producing drones capable of penetrating the Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon. Two Lebanese security sources told Reuters that the group received tens of millions of dollars from Iran for this purpose. This sum is additional to the approximately $200 million the group received from Tehran earlier this month.

Second, the organization is restoring command-and-control systems that collapsed during key battles. One source and three other security officials familiar with the group's operations confirmed these structural repairs are underway. Hezbollah's media office rejected the characterization that its systems had broken down when asked by Reuters.

Third, the group is still restocking its inventory. A Hezbollah official and a Lebanese security source stated that explosives recently seized by Lebanese authorities were intended specifically for the group's explosive drones. The sources indicated that stockpiles and the fighting force are not yet fully prepared for immediate large-scale combat.

The rearmament occurs against a backdrop of sustained regional tension. The current conflict phase began with a US-Israeli war against Iran in February. Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 in support of Tehran, an action that triggered an Israeli response and the evacuation of many residents from southern Lebanon.

Hostilities largely paused over the summer as an interim deal between Iran and the United States included a ceasefire in Lebanon. Washington also mediated talks between Beirut and Jerusalem. Although full-scale fighting has not resumed since the collapse of the US-Iranian agreement, Israeli strikes on targets in the south continue.

Hezbollah is currently on alert for a potential escalation between the US and Iran that could reignite the Lebanon front. The group struggled in previous confrontations with the Israel Defense Forces, particularly at the flashpoint town of Bint Jbeil and the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge.

Lebanese sources said the group's tactic of using small units and rationing anti-tank rockets left some fighters isolated. They found it difficult to confront Israeli remotely operated systems, including weaponized drones and armed remote-controlled vehicles. The Israeli military stated it uses these systems to monitor the area and reduce troop exposure.

A US State Department spokesman said Washington will continue to target Hezbollah's finances through sanctions. A US Treasury spokesperson noted that Iran is running out of money and methods for moving funds. Israel's military declined to comment, while Iran's mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to questions.