The head of a Lebanese Sunni political and militant group, al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, has expressed that the conflict between Israel and Lebanon has led to strengthened cooperation between his group and the Shiite militant organization Hezbollah. The decision to join the fighting along the Lebanon-Israel border was driven by Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip and its strikes on Lebanese towns, resulting in civilian casualties. The Secretary-General of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya emphasized that their involvement was a national, religious, and moral duty to defend their land and support their brethren in Gaza.
The Islamic Group, inspired by the ideology of The Muslim Brotherhood, has historically operated from the city of Sidon, carrying out attacks against Israel. Recent elections within the group have aligned its leadership more closely with Hamas, leading to increased coordination with both Hezbollah and Hamas in their military actions against Israeli forces.
Despite historical tensions between Sunni and Shiite sects in Islam, the collaboration between al-Jamaa al-Islamiya and Hezbollah is considered rare. The Islamic Group's armed wing, the Fajr Forces, has claimed responsibility for attacks along the border, resulting in casualties among their fighters. The group's use of weapons against Israel dates back to the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon.
While acknowledging past differences with Hezbollah over conflicts in Syria and Yemen, the Islamic Group has prioritized resistance against Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories, leading to improved relations with Hezbollah. The group asserts that all weapons used in their operations are sourced from their own arsenal, emphasizing their independence in the conflict.
As Hezbollah solidifies its dominance in Lebanon, the Sunni community faces a leadership vacuum following the departure of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. However, the Islamic Group maintains that it aims to be a partner in building generations and institutions rather than replacing existing leaders.
