Hezbollah’s Escalating War Strategy Following October 7: Balancing Ideology and Geopolitical Context

This study explores Hezbollah’s evolving war strategy following the October 7, 2023, Operation al-Aqsa Flood, emphasizing its gradual shift toward high-intensity engagement with Israel. Utilizing Ontological Security Theory, the analysis examines Hezbollah’s decision-making process, considering its dual role as a Lebanese political actor and a resistance movement. Initially refraining from full-scale warfare, Hezbollah transitioned to more intense military actions, including missile strikes targeting Haifa and Tel Aviv, in response to Israel’s increased airstrikes on Lebanon and the announcement of a ground invasion. The study highlights how Hezbollah’s strategic decisions balance immediate security concerns, domestic and regional dynamics, and the preservation of its ideological identity. By contextualizing these actions within broader Middle Eastern conflicts, this research underscores the importance of ontological security in understanding the behavior of non-state actors amid escalating tensions.