Hamas Establishes Secret Military Force in Lebanon to Open New Front Against Israel

Confidential documents seized in Gaza and analyzed by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center reveal that Hamas, with backing from Hezbollah and Iran, has established an independent military force on Lebanese soil. This force aims to open a new front against Israel as part of a multi-theater warfare strategy. The plan dates back to 2012, when senior Hamas officials held secret meetings with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Quds Force representatives, agreeing to build a military infrastructure in Lebanon including combat cells, rocket systems, and plans for ground incursions into Israel.

This infrastructure became operational during the May 2021 "Guardian of the Walls" conflict, when Hamas launched rockets from southern Lebanon with Hezbollah's approval and operated a joint command center in Beirut alongside Iranian representatives. Following this, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar accelerated efforts to expand the force, aiming by 2022 to build a 2,000-strong unit to operate alongside Hezbollah's forces. The network relied on local weapons manufacturing, training, recruitment from refugee camps, and cooperation with local Islamist groups.

The documents also reveal significant tensions between Hamas and its Iranian and Hezbollah patrons. Hamas insisted on maintaining full operational independence, while Iran and Hezbollah sought tighter control to avoid an unwanted full-scale war. Hamas maintained strict secrecy and isolated the force from external political disputes to prevent early exposure and Israeli countermeasures.

Although the full plan was not realized, Hamas's military wing in Lebanon actively participated in combat after October 7, 2023, claiming responsibility for several attacks against northern Israel. This involvement confirms the strategic intent to open an additional front against Israel within a broader multi-front conflict framework. The intelligence disclosure adds to recent revelations about Hamas's efforts to expand the conflict and its strategy of deception toward Israel, including advice from regional actors to pursue temporary agreements to lull Israel while preparing for larger confrontations.