Hamas Built Operational Militant Network in Lebanon to Invade Israel with Hezbollah

Israeli Defense Forces have uncovered documents in Gaza revealing that Hamas established a militant infrastructure in Lebanon aimed at launching an invasion into Israel alongside Hezbollah. This operational network was active as early as 2021 and continued functioning after the October 7 attacks.

Research traces Hamas's activity in Lebanon back to the early 1990s, notably after 415 Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives were expelled to the Marj al-Zohour refugee camp in 1992. There, Hamas deepened ties with Hezbollah, Iran, and Palestinian refugee communities in Lebanon, which became a foundation for its military escalation in Gaza and the West Bank.

The findings suggest that if the Lebanese government enforces disarmament on Hamas within its borders, it could neutralize a significant military front against Israel and weaken Hamas's influence in Lebanese refugee camps, diminishing its standing against Fatah and the PLO regionally.

The research highlights the strategic alliance between Hamas and Hezbollah, led by Hassan Nasrallah, and underscores the complexity of the northern front in Israel's security landscape. The documents and analysis were released on August 16, 2026, by Israeli officials including former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and military analysts.