Hezbollah’s Call to Saudi Arabia: Unite Against Israel

Hezbollah’s key figure, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has recently made a public proposition. During a televised event, he challenged Saudi Arabia to adopt a revised perspective on Hezbollah, in the hopes of fostering a united opposition against Israel. This came after a prolonged period of bitter relations between Saudi Arabia and Hezbollah, which has put a strain on Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Lebanon.

In 2016, Saudi Arabia, along with several other Gulf nations, classified the Shi’ite Hezbollah as a terrorist group. Over the past few months, under increasing pressure from the United States and Hezbollah’s opposition within Lebanon, Saudi Arabia has been pushing the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah. This is believed to be prompted by the perceived weakened state of Hezbollah, following its military confrontation against Israel in the previous year.

Qassem, in his speech, emphasized that Middle Eastern countries should regard Israel, rather than Hezbollah, as the principal threat to regional stability. He suggested the idea of ‘repairing ties’ with the Saudi authority. He stressed, ‘The weapons of Hezbollah, the resistance, are aimed against the Israeli adversary, not Lebanon, not Saudi Arabia, not any other location or organization on a global scale’

Qassem proposed a discourse that would ‘put on hold the previous conflicts, especially in this extraordinary phase, to get ready to challenge Israel and restrict them.’ He also stated that putting pressure on Hezbollah would only benefit Israel.

The history of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Lebanon includes significant financial contributions. Saudi Arabia has deposited billions of dollars in the central bank of Lebanon and has played a significant role in reconstruction efforts in the south, following the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. Despite such investments, Hezbollah, with Iran’s assistance, has expanded its influence both within Lebanon and in the wider region.

Saudi Arabian and Hezbollah relations took a drastic turn for the worse in 2021. During that year, the Sunni kingdom of Saudi Arabia ousted the Lebanese ambassador, called back their own diplomat, and obstructed Lebanese imports. The reason behind these actions, as indicated in a statement by Saudi state media at the time, was the perceived control Hezbollah had over the decision-making process within the Lebanese state.

In an evolving scenario, the then-general secretary of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, categorically criticized Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammad bin Salman, labeling him a ‘terrorist’. Nasrallah also continuously voiced criticism of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen conflict.

On the political front, the dynamics of the region have undergone significant change over the recent months. One notable event was Israel’s forceful retaliation against Hezbollah last year, resulting in the death of Nasrallah. This occurred concurrently with a revolutionary development in Syria – the overthrowing of Hezbollah’s supportive associate, Bashar al-Assad.

Despite the tumultuous nature of happenings of the past, Qassem’s call for the thawing of relations hints at a possible future channelization of collective forces against a common enemy – Israel. However, the feasibility and the speed at which such a shift in alliances could happen in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East remains an intriguing question.

Qassem’s mention of an ‘exceptional phase’ is reflective of the chaos and intrigue that defines the contemporary Middle East. Beyond the surface, this can also be interpreted as Hezbollah’s admission of the prevailing volatility and its impact on the well-being and progress of all regional actors.

The public address also indicates Hezbollah’s acknowledgement of the internal and external forces presently straining its ability to wield power. There is an apparent need for easing pressure, not just from Saudi Arabia, but from all actors who view Hezbollah as a negative influence.

What these developments suggest about the future trajectory of Saudi-Hezbollah relations is complex and layered. The call for dialogue and a supposed common goal might hint towards a potential for de-escalation. Yet, the picture remains incomplete without the consideration of other actors in the regional theatre.

It’s clear from Qassem’s address that Hezbollah is conscious of the fact that the future is uncertain. It’s equally evident that the group is willing to explore avenues that might seem unconventional in an attempt to secure its position in a region often marked by whirlwinds of change.

Finally, whether Saudi Arabia accepts Hezbollah’s call for a reset remains uncertain. While political necessities can lead to unexpected alliances, the deep-seated animosities and ideological divergences may pose barriers that are tough to overcome. Regardless, the potential for these tectonic shifts paints a compelling picture of the intrigue and unpredictability that shape Middle Eastern geopolitics.