By Nohad Topalian | 2026-04-02

The ongoing confrontation between Hizbullah and Israel, which began on March 1, has highlighted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'s pivotal role.

This role is evident through the restructuring of the group's military apparatus, its influence over war decisions, and coordination of missile operations.

With more than 100 officers present in Lebanon, the IRGC is currently exercising direct control over Hizbullah’s strategic military decisions.

These officers simultaneously manage the group's military operations and coordinate missile attacks between southern Lebanon and the Iranian regime.

After Hizbullah’s crushing defeat by Israel in 2024, IRGC officers rebuilt the command structure, trained new fighters, and oversaw rearmament efforts.

Following the killing of senior Hizbullah commanders, the IRGC restructured Hezbullah's ranks and devised a preemptive defensive strategy for missile attacks against Israel.

Missile attacks coordination

Hizbullah entered the war in March to support the Iranian regime under this strategy. IRGC officers now direct the battle and coordinate the missile attacks.

"It now confronts Israel using small, isolated, independent groups of no more than three elements," an anonymous military source told Al-Fassel.

Equipped with medium-range and anti-armor weaponry -- such as the latest-generation "Kornet" and "Almas" missiles -- these groups are waging a decentralized guerrilla war.

"With the IRGC directing the entire battle and coordinating simultaneous ballistic missile launches from Lebanon and Iran, Hizbullah is only in charge of the southern operational front," the source said.

Since its founding by IRGC elements in the eastern Bekaa Valley, Hizbullah has been closely tied to the Corps.

The group was established to export the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution's principles and combat Israeli forces.

Targeting officials from IRGC–Quds Force (IRGC-QF), Israel's strikes include the killing of Quds Force official Mohammad Korani in a Hazmieh apartment on March 23.

This followed a March 8 airstrike that killed four Iranian commanders in a hotel in Beirut's Raouche district.

Infiltration via forged passports

In response to the IRGC’s confirmed role in the conflict, the Lebanese government requested the departure of affiliated Iranians.

As a result, over 150 individuals, including officers, left Lebanon on a Russia-bound flight on March 7.

"Immediately after the November 27, 2024 ceasefire, IRGC officers arrived with the delegations of Ali Larijani and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf," said Hussein Ataya, coordinator of the Lebanese political opposition group, Southerners for Freedom.

"The officers, who arrived after Hizbullah lost its veteran leadership, carried Lebanese passports, some of which were forged," he said.

IRGC officers now oversee Hizbullah’s military affairs after the group's restructuring and reorganization.