Residents of Northern Israel Begin Returning Home
Residents of northern Israel have started returning to their homes near the border with Lebanon. According to the Ministry of Education, as of March 09, 64% of students in the area have returned to educational institutions.
Lebanese Arena
IDF Activity in Lebanon:
Elimination of the Naval Commander in the Radwan Unit
Khader Said Hashem, a senior commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Unit (also known as “Sadiq”), was eliminated in an airstrike on March 04 while traveling in his vehicle in the village of Rashqaniya, in the Qana area of southern Lebanon. According to the IDF spokesperson, Hashem was the commander of the naval force in the Radwan Unit.
The Radwan Unit divided its operations in southern Lebanon into six sectors: two in the western sector (coastal and Qana), two in the central sector (Bint Jbeil and Hajir), and two in the eastern sector (Al-Khiam and Shebaa Farms-Har Dov). During the war, all six sector commanders and some of their replacements were eliminated. The Radwan Unit is now attempting to recover after suffering significant losses, including hundreds of operatives, 31 senior commanders, and much of its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The unit can no longer carry out its original large-scale invasion plan but is still capable of conducting ad hoc targeted operations.
Vehicle Strike in the Naqoura Area
On the morning of March 05, several suspects were identified loading weapons into vehicles in the Naqoura area of southern Lebanon. An Israeli Air Force aircraft targeted the vehicle to neutralize the threat.
Strikes on Military Sites in Southern Lebanon
Between March 07 – 08, the IDF targeted Hezbollah military sites in the towns of Jmejmej in the Bint Jbeil area and Khirbet Selm in southern Lebanon. These sites contained Hezbollah weapon stockpiles, rocket launchers, and infrastructure being rebuilt for terrorist activities against Israel.
General Situation in Lebanon
Lebanese President Visits Saudi Arabia
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Saudi Arabia on March 03 for an official meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This was Aoun’s first visit since his election, aimed at restoring diplomatic ties after years of estrangement. Discussions focused on stabilizing Lebanon’s political situation, economic investments, trade, tourism, military aid, and improving relations with Gulf states.
Lebanese President in Cairo
Following his Saudi visit, Aoun attended the Arab Summit in Cairo on March 04. On the sidelines of the summit, he met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to discuss regional issues and agreed to establish joint committees for strategic coordination.
World Bank Report on War Damage in Lebanon
A World Bank report estimates Lebanon’s reconstruction needs due to the war at $11 billion, with $10 billion in damages to buildings alone. The Lebanese economy will likely require international support to regain stability and economic growth.
Hezbollah Overview
Interview with Naim Qassem – “The Resistance Will Not Allow Continued Israeli Aggression”
For the first time since his election, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, gave an interview on the Al-Manar channel. The speech focused on expressing “support for the resistance struggle and strengthening perseverance and the stance in the war against Israel.” Qassem addressed the deaths of key figures in the movement, such as Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safi Al-Din, and praised the large crowd that attended their funerals, describing it as “evidence of the deep connection between the leadership and the public,” according to Qassem. He emphasized that the resistance continues despite external threats and highlighted the unity at the heart of the people and leadership.
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Qassem emphasized that the war with Israel will not cease, and even if a ceasefire is achieved, the resistance will continue to act against the occupation and reclaim Palestinian land. He explained that the resistance does not seek to fight from a position of weakness but rather out of recognition of its strength and its right to stand up for its principles.
Qassem also addressed the responsibility for reconstruction and rebuilding in Lebanon, stating that the state is accountable for the reconstruction process, given the priority of the struggle and the protection of citizens. Furthermore, Qassem highlighted the importance of ties with countries such as Iran and Iraq, as well as cooperation with the Palestinians, to combat the negative influences of Israel.
On the political front, he emphasized the support for preserving resistance and opposing any external influence, such as that of the United States and Israel. Qassem also spoke about aspects of collaboration with other Lebanese entities and expressed willingness to deepen cooperation with other parties in Lebanon.
In conclusion, Qassem clarified that the resistance remains strong and that he feels confident about the future.
Financial Compensation by Al-Qard Al-Hassan Bank
On March 05, Hezbollah’s Al-Qard Al-Hassan Bank issued a new directive allowing immediate compensation payments of up to $1,000, reversing a previous policy requiring a 20-day delay. This raises questions about whether Hezbollah has partially restored its cash flow through Iranian funds. It is highly likely that the funeral ceremony of Nasrallah and Safi Al-Din on February 23 served as a convenient platform for the physical transfer of funds to Hezbollah through the delegations that arrived in Lebanon. In the attached image, you can see the directive of the CEO of Al-Qard Al-Hassan Bank on this matter.
Hezbollah Completes War Compensation Payments to Palestinians in Tyre
Hezbollah seeks to maintain its influence and control in the Palestinian refugee camps in southern Lebanon, prioritizing financial compensation for these areas.
On March 06, Hezbollah announced the completion of compensation payments for damages incurred in Palestinian refugee camps in Tyre due to the war. The payments, distributed through rehabilitation committees. In Tyre, there are three Palestinian refugee camps: Rashidieh, Burj Al-Shamali, and Al-Bass. According to Hezbollah, compensation was paid to the owners of buildings damaged during the war, including compensation for housing and furniture for the affected individuals. Khalil Hussein, who oversees Hezbollah’s Palestinian portfolio in the Jabal Amel region, noted that the compensation process in the southern camps has been completed, with approximately 287 cases resolved at this stage. Hussein emphasized Hezbollah’s commitment to continuing the compensation and reconstruction process. In the attached image, you can see the compensation process.
Hezbollah’s Ramadan Assistance
On March 08, Hezbollah inaugurated the “Zain Al-Abidin Kitchen” charity in Beirut, which prepares and distributes thousands of free meals to impoverished Sunni and Shiite families during Ramadan. The charity primarily operates on significant Islamic occasions, and each time a grand reopening ceremony is conducted.
Ramadan as a Test for Hezbollah’s Financial State
For years, Hezbollah has conducted social and volunteer activities during Ramadan to support the community in Lebanon. However, this year, the organization faces significant challenges due to the war with Israel and the economic and military difficulties it is experiencing. In the past, Hezbollah invested substantial resources in financial donations, food distribution, health days, and free medical treatments for citizens as part of its efforts to establish influence among relevant populations and maintain its base’s support. This year, unlike previous years, it seems that there are relatively fewer extensive aid activities by the organization. Most of its funds appear to be directed primarily toward rebuilding homes and infrastructure destroyed during the war. Hezbollah prioritizes its financial resources for rehabilitating its infrastructure and the Shiite population’s infrastructure that was affected, instead of continuing the extensive donation and activity tradition it previously upheld during Ramadan.
Senior Hezbollah Official Calls for Cooperation with the New Syrian Regime
Nawaf Moussawi, responsible for the resources and borders portfolio in Hezbollah, declared that the organization supports Syria’s territorial integrity. He called for cooperation with Damascus and overcoming disagreements to prevent the country’s division.
In an interview with the “Al-Mayadeen” channel, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, Moussawi stated that preserving Syria’s unity is also important for Lebanon. He agreed with Walid Jumblatt’s remarks that Syria’s integrity is at risk.
According to him, Syria was previously considered a strategic depth for the resistance (in the context of Assad’s regime), but the situation has now changed. He emphasized that, given the presence of the Israeli army in southern Syria, cooperation with the Syrians is necessary to maintain the unity of their state.
Palestinians in Lebanon
Hezbollah Delegation Meets with Islamic Jihad Officials
On March 06, Hezbollah representatives met with Islamic Jihad officials in Sidon to express condolences for their losses in the war with Israel and to reaffirm unity in the resistance against Israel and the United States.
Syrian Arena
IDF Activity in Syria:
Israeli special forces conducted targeted raids in southern Syria, focusing on abandoned Syrian military sites. The operations resulted in the seizure and destruction of numerous weapons, including rifles, ammunition, missiles and military equipment.
General Situation in Syria
Violent conflict between the forces of the new regime and supporters of Assad’s regime in northwestern Syria (with a particular focus on the coastal strip).
In recent days, there has been a significant escalation in security incidents in Syria, particularly in the coastal area. The events began on March 6, 2025, when armed supporters of Assad’s regime, referred to as “Former Regime Brigades,” attacked the security forces of the new regime in the village of Beit Ana in the Latakia province. This village is symbolic as it is the birthplace of General Suhail al-Hassan, one of the prominent commanders of the Syrian army under Assad’s rule. This attack marked the beginning of the deterioration in the situation. The new president’s regime dispatched rapid reinforcements, including helicopters, vehicles equipped with rocket launchers, and additional military equipment. However, further attacks quickly spread to other areas along the coast, mainly in Latakia and Tartus.
Following the initial attack, a series of coordinated and aggressive assaults occurred simultaneously across several sites, leading to numerous casualties. Syrian security forces responded with large forces, utilizing unmanned drones and heavy military equipment, but they were also attacked during their advance. Despite efforts to reclaim the territory, significant damage was recorded in both civilian and military facilities, escalating the security situation.
At the same time, protests erupted, calling for an uprising against the new regime. These protests mainly involved members of the Alawite community, the sect of Bashar al-Assad, in Tartus and Latakia, who opposed the new regime and supported the return of the previous regime’s forces. The protests spread, with the local population attempting to resist and back the old military forces in their struggle, while calls for rebellion and warfare against security forces continued.
As a result of the ongoing conflict and damage to critical infrastructure facilities, electricity, water, and communication services were disrupted in large areas of northwestern Syria. The cessation of essential services created severe hardships for residents, especially as supermarkets closed and bread production halted.
The situation worsened with the rise in the number of casualties, including civilians, police officers, security personnel, and armed supporters of the previous regime. As of March 9th, reports indicated at least 1,200 deaths, with over 800 being civilians.
Simultaneously, numerous reports emerged of brutal actions by Al-Sharaa regime forces against Alawites. Some reports described the events as a massacre, detailing indiscriminate shootings of children, women, and the elderly, immediate executions, kidnappings, brutal assaults, abuse of corpses, and humiliations that heightened tensions.
The new Syrian government accused “brigades of the previous regime” of orchestrating the uprising and attacks on security forces. Additionally, it was reported that Ghayath Dalla, a former senior commander, was involved in establishing the “Military Committee for the Liberation of Syria,” which is behind this rebellion. Ibrahim Khawaja, the former head of air intelligence, was also implicated in protests and riots.
Some accusations were directed at “external elements attempting to exploit the situation and provide support to Assad regime loyalists.” Iran was accused of providing indirect assistance.
The new Syrian president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, responded with a statement describing the events as “challenging but expected” and emphasized the need for national unity and internal calm.
During the events, many residents fled to the Russian base in Hmeimim seeking protection. Reports indicated that the Russian military provided tents for temporary housing, equipment, food, and more. The “Al-Quds Al-Arabi” newspaper reported that Russian forces were aware of the rebellion by remnants of the ousted Syrian regime on the Syrian coast and even managed a command and coordination center at their base.
Clashes in the region continue between the Syrian army and rebel forces, including former officers of Assad’s army. Reports suggest increased activity by former intelligence personnel operating in groups and funded by a former officer. The Syrian army managed to eliminate some rebels and sweep areas along the coast, but the battles are ongoing, with rebels conducting ambushes and nighttime attacks on security targets, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Syrian soldiers.
Here is a video from the Russian Air Force base in Hmeimim providing aid to the Alawites.
In light of the events, Al-Sharaa announced the establishment of an “Independent National Investigation Committee” composed of seven members, with the goal of investigating the events and identifying those responsible. The committee is expected to submit its findings within 30 days. Additionally, Al-Sharaa announced the creation of a special committee titled “For Domestic Peace in Syria,” intended to maintain ongoing communication with the residents of the coastal region.
At this time, it remains unclear how and to what extent these events will impact other regions in Syria, particularly those under Kurdish control and the southern areas with a Druze majority.
Refugees and Internally Displaced Syrians – UN Report
According to a UN report dated March 4th, since the fall of Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, approximately 1.2 million Syrians have returned to their original areas. Of these, around 900,000 were internally displaced within Syria, and about 300,000 refugees returned from abroad, including from countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan.
However, more than 656,000 individuals remain displaced, many of whom are in the Idlib and Aleppo provinces. Additionally, the number of displaced persons has increased by approximately 39,000 in the past two weeks, particularly in the Hasakah, Homs, and Hama provinces, due to internal clashes between the new regime’s forces and armed militias, as well as the Alawite sect in coastal regions. According to UN estimates, the total number of displaced persons within Syria stands at roughly 7 million people.
New Governor for Quneitra Province
Ahmad Dalati was appointed by Al-Shara as the governor of the Quneitra Governorate in southern Syria. Previously, he served as the deputy governor of Rif Dimashq with the establishment of the interim government after the fall of the previous regime.
Dalati was born in the village of Kafr Al-Zayt in Wadi Barada, in Rif Dimashq, in 1985. He is married and has seven children. Dalati holds a degree in computer engineering from Damascus University.
Dalati gained media attention during the fall of the previous Syrian regime as a commander in the military operations room, where he served as the deputy leader of the “Ahrar al-Sham” organization and was known by the nickname “Abu Muhammad Al-Shami.”
Syrian Captagon Trade – Current Status
The Assad regime was behind the massive Captagon industry that operated in Syria until its fall. Under Assad’s rule, Captagon became Syria’s main export sector, generating billions of dollars in profits for the Assad family, as well as for Hezbollah and Iran. Since Assad’s downfall, the new regime has been emphasizing its efforts to eliminate this industry, destroy its infrastructure, and neutralize the hundreds of millions of stored Captagon pills across the country. However, given Syria’s current state and the immense sums of money this industry has generated over the years, it is possible that the Al-Shara regime may struggle to halt this phenomenon in the foreseeable future.
Read more in the attached article.
This document provides an analytical overview of the latest developments in the northern arena and the Shiite axis, focusing on key events in Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, Syria, and the Palestinian presence in Lebanon.
