Many hardline conservatives in Iran are growing uneasy about its lack of action as Israel targets the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah , their country’s closest and most long-standing ally. 3 days ago · Reports indicate that Iran has been financially supporting the military reconstitution of Hezbollah , with claims that it has sent "tens of millions of dollars" to Beirut to aid the group (Institute for the Study of War). Iranian financial support — already under pressure from sanctions and war—may dry up, especially as Hezbollah’s own reconstruction and operational costs soar. Engaging in a military confrontation with Israel, however defensive in nature, would more than likely come at a great cost. Hezbollah was weakened by last year's fighting and after losing a major supply route for Iranian weapons with the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, a key ally, in a lightning rebel. While Hezbollah ’s relationship with Iran is opaque, it is safe to assume that the ceasefire was linked to an Iranian decision to spare Hezbollah ’s remaining forces from Israel’s relentless attacks, with a view to replenishing and rebuilding their capacities. Military and Financial Backing: Iran’s support for Hezbollah is no secret. From an initial investment in training and arming the budding militia in the early 1980s, Iran now reportedly provides an estimated $700 million to Hezbollah annually, according to the U.S. Department of State. Only a few years ago, Iran and its allies were at their height of power and influence. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was the most powerful military and political force in Lebanon. Hezbollah is Iran’s most valuable military asset abroad, and its decision to refrain from joining the Gaza war did not shield it from Israeli targeting. Since October, Israel has been determined to dismantle Hezbollah ’s capabilities, even though the group did not support Hamas by participating in the attacks. As violence between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, Iran is walking a tightrope by supporting Hezbollah without being dragged into a full-blown conflict and playing into its enemy's hands.
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