The Middle East is once again a powder keg, with Israel locked in a complex, multi-front conflict against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This escalating situation began after Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and was further inflamed by recent attacks on Hezbollah members using pager blasts and walkie-talkie explosions. Adding to the tension, Israel eliminated key Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in September, sending shockwaves through the region. With fears of an all-out war growing, we take a closer look at the military strength and capabilities of each side.
Israel’s Military Might
Israel boasts a formidable military, consistently ranking among the top 20 global powers according to the Global Firepower Index. Their arsenal is impressive, encompassing a vast array of weaponry, including frigates, destroyers, submarines, missile boats, tanks, helicopters, and a substantial drone fleet. The Israeli Air Force is renowned for its fleet of F-16s and F-35s, and the country possesses a formidable manpower base, with approximately 89,000 Air Force personnel, 526,000 army personnel, and 19,500 Navy personnel. With an estimated 170,000 active troops, Israel maintains a strong presence on the ground.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are known for their cutting-edge technology, including autonomous “loitering munitions,” better known as suicide drones. Models like the Harop and Harpy can track and eliminate moving targets with devastating precision. Their arsenal also boasts around 2,200 tanks, primarily the Merkava platform, along with hundreds of artillery pieces, self-propelled guns, and rocket systems, including the US-developed M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System.
Beyond its hardware, the IDF benefits significantly from its highly trained intelligence unit, sophisticated technology, robust support infrastructure, and a well-organized command structure. Further solidifying their position as a global leader in military innovation, Israel has developed the world’s first cannon capable of automatic firing, the “Thunder.” This 155mm 8×8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer is designed to replace hundreds of M109s in the Israeli Artillery Corps, demonstrating Israel’s relentless pursuit of technological dominance.
Hezbollah: A Heavily Armed Militia
Hezbollah, considered one of the world’s most heavily armed non-state groups, possesses a vast arsenal of rockets, with estimates ranging as high as 100,000. These weapons, including small, portable, and unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets, pose a significant threat. Hezbollah’s arsenal may also include an estimated 20,000 to 200,000 rockets and missiles, according to the US-based think tank. While the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed in alleged Israeli strikes in Lebanon, claimed Hezbollah had 100,000 fighters, experts believe that number is inflated. More realistic estimates place their strength at between 15,000 and 20,000 trained fighters, with the potential to call upon up to 30,000 part-time members.
Hezbollah’s Fateh-110, an Iranian-made ballistic missile with a range of 250-300 km (341.75 miles), carries a 450-500 kg warhead, making it a serious threat. Experts believe these rockets and missiles pose two distinct threats to Israel: continuous barrages that can kill or injure Israelis and tactical and operational effects that suppress or weaken IDF forces, hindering their effectiveness.
Hezbollah’s forces, primarily composed of light infantry, are trained for stealth, mobility, and autonomy. The group utilizes a version of “mission command,” empowering subordinates to make independent battlefield decisions based on a commander’s intent. This approach has allowed Hezbollah to operate effectively despite facing overwhelming Israeli firepower. Furthermore, Hezbollah has shown the ability to deploy swarms of drones simultaneously against a single target, overwhelming Israel’s air defense systems. Their engagement in the Syrian conflict has provided them access to T-72, T-54/-55, and T-62 main battle tanks, further enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Like Hamas, Hezbollah has built a network of tunnels and bunkers in the hills of southern Lebanon, using them to launch ambushes and rocket attacks. These underground fortifications serve as a strategic advantage, providing cover and mobility in the event of a ground incursion by the IDF.
Hamas: A Militant Force with Underground Advantage
Palestinian militant group Hamas is known for its extensive network of secret ‘underground tunnels’ in the Gaza Strip, extending into parts of Israel and Egypt. These tunnels are designed to conceal militants, making them difficult for the IDF to track and locate, providing Hamas with a distinct advantage. This allows them to execute surprise attacks on the Israeli army in the event of a ground incursion.
Hamas’s military wing, known as Izz el-Deen al-Qassam or al-Qassam Brigades, is estimated to have between 7,000 and 50,000 fighters. The group boasts a naval commando unit and a military academy that trains specialists in various fields, including cybersecurity, within its 40,000-strong military wing. Hamas’s arsenal includes a range of bombs, mortars, rockets, anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. Despite losing a portion of their missile inventory during the 2021 Gaza war, Hamas and its affiliated group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, still maintain a substantial arsenal. They are believed to have retained 40% of their missiles, amounting to roughly 11,750 missiles, compared to 23,000 before the conflict. Hamas’s rocket capabilities have also significantly improved, with their maximum range increasing from 40 km (25 miles) in 2008 to 230 km in 2021.
While Hamas may possess significant military capabilities, experts generally agree that Israel holds the upper hand in terms of overall military strength. The disparity in resources, technological advantage, and experience favors Israel, making it difficult for Hamas to achieve a decisive victory in a protracted conflict.
The current situation in the Middle East is a complex and volatile one. The military capabilities of Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah are all significant, and the potential for a full-blown conflict remains a serious concern. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to remain informed about the latest developments and to understand the complex dynamics at play.
