Amal’s Role in Israel-Hezbollah Border Clashes Questioned

The Amal Movement, under the leadership of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, is actively engaged in the conflict in southern Lebanon, positioned alongside Hezbollah. Berri, in a recent interview with al-Jadeed TV, acknowledged that while Amal is partaking in the resistance against Israel, its military strength pales in comparison to that of Hezbollah.

Berri emphasized that Amal, despite its limited capabilities, is committed to defending Lebanese territory. He highlighted that Amal is confronting challenges on the front lines, but due to its lesser capabilities, it operates differently from Hezbollah.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel in October, Amal has been indirectly involved, but it has not officially declared any attacks. However, local media recently reported Amal’s participation in the conflict for the first time.

Regarding casualties, three members of Amal have been reported killed since October 8. One member died in an Israeli drone strike on November 11, which also injured two others, and two more were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the southern town of Blida on a recent Friday night. During their funeral in Blida, Israeli forces shelled the area and opened fire from the nearby Bayad Blida post, but the mourners proceeded with the ceremony.

The Amal Movement’s affiliated Islamic Risala Scout Association has been actively providing ambulance and paramedic services in the region. This includes aiding those injured or killed in Israeli strikes. Recently, an Israeli drone damaged an ambulance belonging to the Risala Scout Association in Blida, but fortunately, there were no casualties. In January, a missile struck a Risala Scout association’s civil defense center in Khiam but did not explode, avoiding casualties. On November 5, four Risala Scouts first responders were injured when Israeli strikes targeted two ambulances near Tayr Harfa.

In addition to its military role, Amal also plays a diplomatic part in the conflict. Berri views diplomacy as a critical component of resistance. As Hezbollah is listed as a terrorist organization by many Western countries, including the United States, Berri serves as a key contact point for these countries.

At 84 years old, Berri is renowned for his astuteness and political savvy. He is one of the longest-serving legislative leaders in the world, holding his position for 30 years, a record unmatched by any other Lebanese politician. As a close ally of Hezbollah, Berri, along with Hezbollah, occupies all the Shiite-allocated seats in the Lebanese parliament. Over three decades, he has established himself as a mediator among Lebanon’s various political factions and their international supporters, cementing his role as an essential figure in maintaining the political status quo in Lebanon.