Hassan Nasrallah’s claim about the size of the terror group’s fighting force, seen as an exaggeration by analysts, is directed at domestic rivals.
Sarit Zahavi, a former Israeli military intelligence officer who runs the Alma research institute in northern Israel, said Nasrallah greatly exaggerated his group’s military capabilities with the aim of intimidating his domestic rivals.
“His message is ‘I’m the strongest player in Lebanon,’” Zahavi said.
She said it could backfire against Nasrallah and draw further criticism in Lebanon. “What he’s actually saying is ‘I’ve built up great power not only to fight Israel but to fight Lebanese,’” she said.
