IRGC Commander Visits Lebanon To Coordinate on Israel-Hamas Conflict
Lebanese Leader Set To Give Speech
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November 02, 2023
The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, paid a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday to coordinate with Hezbollah regarding the ongoing conflict with Israel, according to Lebanese al-Jadeed news.
The visit comes just two days before Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to address the public for the first time since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted, Reuters reported on November 2.
Qaani's visit to Lebanon is not the first instance of his presence in the country. Syrian media had reported his visit to Lebanon in early October, shortly after Hamas's assault on Israel on October 7.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that Qaani's purpose in Lebanon is to "work for peace and security in the region and fight terrorism." He further stated that Iran does not issue direct orders to its proxies in the region, adding that they make decisions based on their own interests and developments.
The Wall Street Journal recently revealed that the Quds Force provided specialized training to at least 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in the month leading up to the October 7 massacre. This collaboration highlights the close ties between Hamas and Qaani's forces.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has heightened tensions in the region, leading to an increase in Hezbollah's involvement. Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization, has long been supported by Iran and is considered a proxy force for Tehran. The coordination between Qaani and Hezbollah indicates Iran's active role in the ongoing conflict.
The visit of Qaani to Lebanon highlights Iran's continued efforts to support its allies and maintain influence in the region. By coordinating with Hezbollah, Iran aims to strengthen its position and ensure the success of its proxies in their confrontation with Israel.
As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the international community closely monitors the actions of Iran and its proxies. The visit of Qaani to Lebanon underlines the complex dynamics at play in the region, with multiple actors vying for power and influence, a situation that has been developing since the wars outset and has drawn international concern all the while, War on the Rocks commented on October 18.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with both sides suffering losses. The involvement of Qaani and the Quds Force adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation, raising concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict.
With Nasrallah's upcoming public address, which was still pending at the time of this report, the region awaits further insights into Hezbollah's strategy and intentions. The coordination between Qaani and Hezbollah suggests that the conflict with Israel is far from over and that Iran remains a key player in the ongoing struggle for power and influence in the Middle East.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community must closely monitor the actions of all parties involved to prevent further escalation and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.