The downing of a reconnaissance drone, which the Israeli military said belonged to Hezbollah, on Thursday exposed internal decision-making challenges within the group.
In a statement last week, Hezbollah called on the Lebanese state to address Israel’s delay in withdrawing troops from occupied Lebanese territory—an obligation under the 60-day timeframe set by the ceasefire agreement—without hinting at any unilateral military action.
This measured rhetoric was echoed by senior Hezbollah figures, including Secretary-General Naim Qassem and the head of its parliamentary bloc, Mohammad Raad, earlier this week.
Since the ceasefire on November 27, Hezbollah has avoided military actions in southern Lebanon, except for a missile strike on an Israeli military site in the Shebaa Farms during the first week.
Despite Israeli airstrikes, home demolitions, and incursions into Lebanese territory, including near the Litani River, Hezbollah has not responded with further military action.
Hezbollah's recent statements have suggested a focus on political, not military action, with Qassem saying military decisions are up to Lebanon’s “defensive strategy.”
However, Israel’s claim of downing a drone—unclaimed by Hezbollah—raises questions. If the group is proven responsible, it would disrupt its efforts to shift to a political approach, say Lebanese sources.
The sources note that Hezbollah has refrained from military action since the ceasefire deadline, signaling a political shift despite Israel’s continued occupation of Lebanese land.
Although there’s no confirmation of a split within the group, researcher Ali Amin pointed out confusion within Hezbollah.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that while Hezbollah tends to avoid divisions, recent reports suggest disagreements over the ceasefire deal.
Some members fear it could limit Hezbollah’s military power, making it harder for supporters to accept the group’s shift toward a non-military, civilian role.
