Hezbollah Rebuilds Drone Units With Tens of Millions in Iranian Cash

Hezbollah has spent the last three months preparing for a potential return to war with Israel, driven by a new influx of funding from Iran, according to Lebanese security officials. The group used the lull in fighting since June to focus on acquiring explosives and manufacturing drones capable of reaching the security zone occupied by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

The financial support comes in two tranches. One source and another individual close to the group stated that Hezbollah received tens of millions of dollars from Iran to boost its military capabilities. This recent transfer is separate from an estimated $200 million previously sent by Tehran, which Reuters reported earlier this month. The cash is being directed toward replenishing stockpiles and repairing command structures that collapsed during key battles.

The rebuilding effort follows severe losses in two wars with Israel since 2024. Thousands of fighters and numerous leaders were killed, and much of the group's arsenal was destroyed. Despite these setbacks, Hezbollah remains committed to attacking Israel. The group is currently on alert for a possible escalation between the United States and Iran, which could reignite the front in Lebanon.

Command and control systems are a primary focus of the restoration. Four security officials familiar with the group's operations said these structures had broken down in critical engagements. Hezbollah's media office rejected the notion that its command systems had failed. Israel's military declined to comment, and Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not immediately respond to questions.

The group struggled to coordinate small units against Israeli remotely operated systems, including weaponized drones and armed remote-controlled vehicles, during the fight for the town of Bint Jbeil and the Ali al-Taher ridge. Rationing anti-tank rockets contributed to the isolation of some units on those fronts. The Israeli military confirmed it uses these systems to monitor the area and reduce risk to troops.

Hezbollah is still in the process of restocking. This month, the group acknowledged that explosives seized by Lebanese authorities belonged to it. A Hezbollah official and a Lebanese security source told Reuters the items were intended for use in explosive drones against Israel. The sources indicated that the group has not yet fully prepared its stockpiles or fighting force.

Tensions in the region remain high following the US-Israeli war with Iran that began in February. Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 in support of Iran, triggering an Israeli response that led to the evacuation of many residents from southern Lebanon. Hostilities abated over the summer as an interim deal included a ceasefire and Washington-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel. Full-scale fighting has not resumed, though Israeli strikes continue in the south.

Washington stated it would continue to constrain Hezbollah's finances through sanctions. A US Treasury spokesperson noted that Iran was running out of money and methods to move it. Hezbollah has not explicitly stated whether it would join fresh hostilities, but its media office said it was wary of giving Israeli leaders justification to escalate efforts against the group.