The number of casualties within Lebanon's Hezbollah group has reached approximately 50 fighters since the start of the Gaza conflict with Israel on Oct. 7.
This figure, which is considered high in relation to the security situation along the southern border of Lebanon, where it cannot be described as a full-scale war but rather a limited engagement between the two parties, raises questions.
Based on available images, most of Hezbollah’s killed fighters are young, with their ages not exceeding their mid-twenties.
Consequently, they are undergoing their first military experience and are not part of the generation of fighters who participated in Syria’s battles.
The same sentiment is echoed by Riad Kahwaji, the head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA).
“It is evident that those falling in the clashes between Hezbollah and Israel are of a young age and lack combat experience,” Kahwaji told Asharq Al-Awsat.
He points out that anyone aged 23 or younger has not participated in the Syrian war, considering that the training of Hezbollah fighters typically commences at the age of 18.
Political analyst Ali Al-Amin suggested that the fighters who fall in battle likely lack extensive experience.
While ruling out an escalation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel on Lebanon’s southern front, emphasizing a decision not to engage in a full-blown war, Al-Amin discussed the reasons for a significant number of casualties among Hezbollah fighters.
According to Al-Amin, Hezbollah fighters might have been taken by surprise by Israel’s response, just as the Israeli side was surprised by the capabilities of Hamas in Gaza.
Kahwaji, on the other hand, pointed out the high casualty rate within Hezbollah’s ranks, shedding light on the tactics employed in their battle.
“Hezbollah fights using conventional methods, moving away from guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and surprise attacks, engaging the Israeli army directly,” he explained.
