Israel has long faced adversaries in the form of Hamas and Hezbollah, two militant organizations that pose significant threats to its security. These groups, rooted in distinct political and religious contexts, share a common goal of opposing Israel’s existence and sovereignty.
Hamas: The Islamic Resistance Movement
Hamas, which stands for the “Islamic Resistance Movement,” is a political and military organization based in Palestine. It was established following the Intifada in 1987 as a reaction against Israeli occupation. Originally emerging from the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas split from its parent organization, focusing specifically on armed resistance and Palestinian independence.
Hamas openly denies Israel’s religious and political right to exist. Its central objective is to build a Palestinian state through armed struggle, which has led Israel, the U.S., the EU, and other entities to designate it as a terrorist organization. Over the years, Hamas has led and supported numerous suicide bombings and violent attacks against Israeli targets.
In 2006, Hamas secured a decisive victory in the Palestinian elections, overtaking the ruling party, Fatah (Palestinian Liberation Movement). This victory gave Hamas significant political power, which it used to take control of the Gaza Strip after winning the 2007 civil war against Fatah. Consequently, Fatah was pushed back to the West Bank, leaving Hamas as the dominant power in Gaza.
However, Hamas has faced a recent decline in public support due to its extreme confrontation with Israel and the public’s growing fatigue over its rigid governance. Despite this, it has managed to regain support in response to uncompromising Israeli actions and increased repression. The rise of far-right politicians in Israel’s government has also influenced Palestinian sentiment, further rallying support for Hamas.
Hezbollah: The Party of God
Hezbollah, meaning “Party of God,” is a Shiite militant organization based in Lebanon. It was formed in 1982 as a reaction to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. With backing from Syria and Iran, Hezbollah has built a powerful military force that surpasses even the Lebanese army in strength.
Politically, Hezbollah has established itself as a major force in Lebanon, holding seats in parliament and operating various social services, including schools, hospitals, and welfare facilities. Despite its political and social influence, Hezbollah’s ultimate aim remains the destruction of Israel. The organization has engaged in numerous military conflicts with Israel, raising concerns within the international community about its destabilizing impact in the region.
The Two-Front War: Israel’s Strategic Response
Israel has acknowledged the possibility of a “two-front war” scenario involving simultaneous conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Preparing for such a situation, Israel has developed strategies to face threats from both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon concurrently.
Mark Regev, a senior advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Ambassador to the UK, expressed Israel’s stance on this potential conflict. As the director of the Abba Eban Institute at Reichman University, Regev stated, “We don’t want the conflict to escalate in the north, but we wouldn’t be surprised if a two-front war becomes necessary.” He added, “It won’t be easy, but no war is. If needed, we can fight on two fronts and win.”
Israel remains prepared for the possibility of a difficult and expanded conflict, particularly in the northern region. The country’s military strategy considers the potential for engaging in battles on both fronts, underscoring its readiness to respond to simultaneous threats from Hamas and Hezbollah.