In a world where whispers of hostility can escalate to calls for violence, the importance of vigilance has never been more urgent. Today, WBII presents an eye-opening report on a growing menace: the systematic efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran, wielded through the notorious Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), to destabilise Jewish communities within the United Kingdom. This detailed examination unmasks a campaign of incitement and division meticulously orchestrated through proxies and ideological allies, who mask their real intentions behind slogans of “resistance” and “liberation.”

Our findings expose a chilling ambition—the IRGC’s drive to disrupt and isolate Jewish communities, emboldening hatred under the guise of political cause. Iran’s operatives are not merely aiming to influence; they are actively mapping Jewish institutions, seeking to weaponise local narratives and cast an entire community as a hostile “other.” This incursion of antisemitic rhetoric into public discourse has moved from the shadows into the mainstream, fuelled by Tehran’s determination to spread discord and rally sympathisers to their cause.

Our report meticulously unpacks these tactics, showing the IRGC’s multi-layered strategy to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, and ultimately create an environment of animosity toward Jewish Britons. It provides essential insights into the ways in which Iran’s malign influence seeks not only to marginalise Jewish voices but to erode the very fabric of British tolerance and unity.

WBII stands committed to illuminating these threats and calling for proactive measures to safeguard our communities. But we cannot do this alone. As we continue to deepen our research and engage with those at the forefront of defending freedom, we ask for your support. Join us as we confront this threat and reaffirm the values that define us—a Britain where tolerance, dignity, and resilience prevail over hatred and division.

Read The Full Report Here

This report, "Zionism: Dispelling Myths and Restoring the Truth of Jewish Identity," delves into one of the most misunderstood movements in modern history. Zionism, far from being an ideology of exclusion, stands as a testament to resilience, cultural continuity, and justice for the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland.

Through this report, WBII seeks to dismantle common misconceptions, addressing myths that cast Zionism as colonial or exclusionary, when in truth, it is a movement rooted in the universal right of self-determination and the historical bond of Jewish identity with the land of Israel. The report underscores Zionism's long-standing principles, asserting that this is not merely a political construct but an enduring connection spanning millennia, woven into Jewish history, spirituality, and culture.

Join us as we explore Zionism’s core principles of identity, continuity, and the affirmation of a people’s place in the world. This journey challenges the narratives that obscure its true purpose, offering a reclaimed vision of Zionism that celebrates Jewish resilience, contributes positively to global society, and underscores the timeless rights to peace and dignity.

Discover the truth of Zionism and its vital role in the tapestry of Jewish heritage and human dignity.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

The Systematic Oppression of Women by the Islamic Republic of Iran and Its Influence Across the Shia Crescent and Beyond

Today, We Believe In Israel unveils a critical new report: The Systematic Oppression of Women by the Islamic Republic of Iran and Its Influence Across the Shia Crescent and Beyond. This publication does more than document the appalling state of women’s rights under the Islamic Republic; it explores the broader ramifications of Iran’s gender repression and how its ideology has seeped into the fabric of neighbouring societies—weaponising its influence to transform entire communities.

Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has meticulously crafted a state-led apparatus of control aimed squarely at women, subjecting them to a regime that systematically denies them fundamental freedoms, choices, and protections. But this oppression is not confined to Iran. As our report details, Iran’s model of control has been effectively exported to places like Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen through proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. These groups, far from merely being allies, are extensions of Tehran's agenda, enforcing regressive policies on women with chilling efficiency.

However, Iran’s ideological reach does not stop within the Shia Crescent. Its influence has seeped into Western discourse as well, repackaged as “cultural resistance” or “anti-imperialist” sentiment. In the UK and other Western nations, certain voices unwittingly amplify Iran’s worldview, normalising gender inequality under the guise of defending cultural authenticity. The Iranian regime has, quite astutely, framed its assault on women’s rights as a matter of “identity,” co-opting the language of cultural and political solidarity to propagate its oppressive doctrines beyond its borders.

This report calls on readers, policymakers, and human rights advocates alike to confront the grave threat posed by the exportation of Iran’s misogynistic policies. To ignore it is to allow an insidious erosion of the principles of equality and justice that underpin our society. We must not be duped by rhetoric that seeks to make repression palatable or culturally specific. The rights of women are universal, and any attempt to undermine them—whether in Iran, across the Shia Crescent, or here in the UK—must be met with unyielding resistance.

We urge all those who cherish the values of freedom, equality, and human dignity to read this report and join us in standing against the tide of oppression emanating from Tehran.

Read the full report HERE

Introduction to WBII’s Report on Palestine Action: A Case for Proscription

In recent years, Britain has witnessed a troubling rise in extremist activism under the guise of political expression. At the forefront of this shift is Palestine Action, a group whose tactics and objectives have evolved well beyond the boundaries of lawful protest. Our new report, "Palestine Action: A Case for Proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000," exposes the true nature of this group: an organisation whose commitment to violence, intimidation, and disruption poses a significant threat to public safety, social cohesion, and the rule of law.

What began as a movement ostensibly protesting UK-Israel defence ties has quickly morphed into a broader campaign of aggression, increasingly targeting Jewish organisations and businesses with links to Israel. Palestine Action’s relentless acts of vandalism, harassment, and direct threats to individuals reveal a radical agenda—one that prioritises coercion over discourse, employing tactics that undermine British values and public safety. Their methods and philosophy align disturbingly well with the legal definition of terrorism, as outlined in the Terrorism Act 2000.

Our report meticulously details the group’s tactics, including deliberate property destruction, reckless endangerment of public safety, and the fostering of a climate that heightens antisemitism. In light of this evidence, we argue that the proscription of Palestine Action is not only warranted but necessary. Proscribing this organisation would empower law enforcement to act decisively, dismantling a network dedicated to sowing division and fear in British society.

We invite you to read this report and understand why the UK must draw a clear line against extremism masquerading as activism. Only by doing so can we protect the rights, safety, and social cohesion that define Britain.

Read the full report HERE

The Digital War on Israel: How Information Warfare is Redefining Anti-Zionism

The coordinated effort to manipulate Wikipedia's portrayal of the Israel-Palestine conflict illustrates a disturbing shift in anti-Zionism's tactics: the front line has moved decisively to the battlefield of information warfare. No longer content with pushing anti-Israel narratives through traditional activism or biassed reporting, radicals are now targeting the very platforms people turn to for "facts." By altering Wikipedia’s content, they aim to reshape the historical and political landscape to favour Islamist groups while delegitimising Israel. This campaign is not a matter of accidental bias; it is a calculated assault on truth itself.

In the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, we see how deeply entrenched this information war has become. Editors sympathetic to radical causes coordinated to remove mentions of Hamas’s violent 1988 charter, erase records of Iranian regime abuses, and promote fringe academic views as the dominant narrative on issues like Zionism and Israel's legitimacy. The aim is clear: to hijack the historical record, recasting terrorists as freedom fighters and Israel's defensive measures as acts of aggression.

Such manipulation is not only deceitful but profoundly dangerous. Wikipedia’s content appears at the top of Google search results, often shaping public perception before readers even encounter other sources. The impact extends beyond mere words; it influences political debates, policy-making, and even the nature of social discourse. When these platforms are commandeered by ideologues, the line between history and propaganda blurs, leaving ordinary readers adrift in a sea of misinformation.

How the Frontline Shifted to Information Warfare

Anti-Zionist activism has long sought to delegitimise Israel through various means, from divestment campaigns to public demonstrations. However, recent years have seen a strategic pivot towards digital manipulation, reflecting an understanding that controlling the narrative is as powerful as influencing policy. With platforms like Wikipedia being treated as de facto arbiters of truth, radicals have seized upon their vulnerabilities to push extremist agendas under the guise of "information."

The post-9/11 era saw the beginnings of this trend, as Islamist groups sought to recast their image in response to global condemnation. The same tactics have now been adapted to exploit the widespread reach of online platforms. By saturating Wikipedia with biased edits and positioning fringe academic theories as mainstream, these activists are trying to fundamentally alter the way people understand Zionism, Israel’s history, and its right to exist. This shift marks a dangerous escalation, turning an encyclopaedia into a weapon and the very concept of factuality into a battleground.

How We Can and Should Combat This

Combatting this insidious campaign requires a multi-faceted approach. First, Wikipedia itself must take responsibility for the content on its platform. The site should institute stricter controls on politically sensitive topics, limiting edits to verified experts and creating a more transparent process for reviewing contested changes. Failure to do so risks not only losing public trust but allowing the site to be used as a megaphone for extremist propaganda.

Second, there must be a coordinated effort among pro-Israel advocates, historians, and academics to actively participate in editing and monitoring Wikipedia. This requires more than mere reactive edits; it demands a proactive strategy to ensure that balanced, well-sourced content prevails. Training programmes to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge can play a vital role in this effort, creating a network of contributors who can counter misinformation effectively.

Third, digital literacy must be a priority. Readers should be educated on how to critically evaluate the information they encounter online, including understanding Wikipedia's limitations. Schools, universities, and public forums should incorporate training on recognising bias and detecting manipulated content.

Finally, policymakers should recognise information warfare for what it is—a threat to democratic discourse. Just as governments address disinformation campaigns from foreign states, they must also confront the coordinated online efforts to delegitimise allied nations like Israel. This may involve supporting initiatives that promote digital resilience and developing regulations to hold platforms accountable for content that is weaponised to incite hatred or spread falsehoods.

The stakes in this digital battle are far from trivial. If we fail to defend the integrity of our information sources, we concede the ground not only to those who distort the present but to those who aim to rewrite history itself. The war against Israel is no longer confined to borders; it is waged in the digital realm, where the fight for truth has never been more crucial. It is time for a robust defence—one that ensures the facts cannot be twisted into the weapons of the unscrupulous.

The report How Wikipedia’s Pro-Hamas Editors Hijacked the Israel-Palestine Narrative published by Pirate Wires on the manipulation of Wikipedia’s Israel-Palestine coverage reveals something more sinister than mere bias. Following the October 7, 2023, attack, a coordinated effort by around 40 editors sought to reshape narratives, presenting radical Islamist groups in a favourable light and erasing mentions of Hamas’s 1988 charter calling for violence against Jews. This is not simply editing but a concerted attempt to rewrite history.

Even more troubling, groups like "Tech For Palestine" coordinated their efforts using online platforms like Discord to further distort Wikipedia’s content, attempting to influence high-profile articles and even pressure British MPs via manipulated entries. When their activities were exposed, they scrambled to delete traces of their actions.

This exploitation undermines Wikipedia's supposed principles of neutrality. It reveals just how easily online platforms can become tools for ideological warfare. The consequence is not merely misinformation but a wholesale assault on reality itself, as extremists leverage Wikipedia’s reach to normalise fringe views and delegitimise Israel.

If left unaddressed, such tactics will erode Wikipedia’s credibility and compromise the integrity of public knowledge. We must demand greater oversight, stricter enforcement of editorial policies, and accountability for those who hijack digital platforms to pursue ideological agendas. This is not just about protecting an encyclopaedia; it is about safeguarding truth in an age where propaganda is dressed up as fact.

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL): A Critical Assessment

The latest report, UNIFIL: A Critical Assessment, offers a sobering evaluation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), an operation that has spanned over four decades with the aim of maintaining peace along the Israel-Lebanon border. Tasked with overseeing the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, UNIFIL’s mission was to uphold the ceasefire, support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and ensure the disarmament of armed groups. Yet, as this report reveals, the reality on the ground is one of persistent failure, with the mission consistently falling short of these objectives.

Key Findings:

• Hezbollah’s Entrenchment in Southern Lebanon: The report starkly outlines how Hezbollah continues to wield significant military power, despite the supposed disarmament mandate. With an arsenal estimated to include 150,000 rockets and missiles, Hezbollah’s presence in the region represents a direct challenge to both UNIFIL’s authority and the security of Israel. Far from a force disbanded, Hezbollah has instead fortified its capabilities, operating with impunity under the watchful eye of the very peacekeepers meant to ensure its demilitarisation.
• Routine Obstruction and Harassment: UNIFIL has been repeatedly obstructed, its patrols blocked and even attacked in areas where Hezbollah holds sway. Such incidents have hampered the force’s ability to monitor compliance with the peace agreement and, more damningly, exposed the limited scope of its influence. The mission’s capacity to act has been repeatedly constrained by a combination of local hostility and Hezbollah’s manipulation of the situation.
• The Erosion of the Blue Line: Originally established to verify Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, the Blue Linehas become a line in name only. Violations are commonplace, ranging from cross-border incursions to the establishment of observation posts masquerading as environmental projects, all under the aegis of Hezbollah. These transgressions are not simply breaches of protocol but blatant acts of defiance that have rendered UNIFIL’s deterrent effect practically non-existent.
• Inadequate Maritime Task Force Interceptions: The report sheds light on the Maritime Task Force’s limited success in preventing arms smuggling by sea. While the task force was ostensibly established to halt the flow of weapons into Lebanon, the persistence of arms trafficking via overland routes, particularly from Iran through Syria, has significantly undermined its efforts. The force’s inability to intercept these shipments has allowed the military build-up to continue unabated.
• Recent Escalations and Hezbollah’s Strategic Use of UNIFIL: The events following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack have led to a marked increase in Hezbollah’s military activity in southern Lebanon. Evidence suggests that the group has taken to using UNIFIL’s presence as a shield, positioning military assets near the peacekeepers to deter Israeli responses. This tactic not only compromises UNIFIL’s ostensible neutrality but also places its personnel in perilous positions, transforming them into unwilling participants in a larger strategic game.

Recommendations:

The report calls for a serious reassessment of UNIFIL’s mandate, arguing that without substantial changes, the force risks being little more than a symbolic presence in a region where symbolism is not enough. Among the measures proposed are enhanced intelligence capabilities, a revision of the rules of engagement to enable more decisive action, and increased pressure on the Lebanese government to meet its obligations under Resolution 1701. If these reforms are not realised, UNIFIL may well continue to languish in irrelevance, while the volatile dynamics of southern Lebanon edge ever closer to another conflagration.

For a deeper exploration of the report’s findings and its comprehensive policy recommendations, we invite you to read the full text here.

Yahya Sinwar: The Portrait of a Terrorist

The figure of Yahya Sinwar, the notorious Hamas leader in Gaza, embodies the brutal ethos of an organisation that has made terror its principal currency. Sinwar's life has been defined by a relentless commitment to violence, his rise through the ranks marked not by political achievement or statesmanship, but by a cold-blooded dedication to the slaughter of innocents. The most recent testament to his methods came on October 7th, 2023, when Sinwar orchestrated one of the most savage assaults Israel has endured in modern times.

Born in the squalor of the Khan Younis refugee camp in 1962, Sinwar was destined from the outset to follow a path marked by fanaticism. He quickly became a founding member of Hamas, seizing the opportunity during the First Intifada to establish his reputation for brutality by overseeing the murder of Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel. His natural inclination towards violence earned him not only admiration within the ranks of Hamas but also a life sentence in 1989 from an Israeli court.

Yet Sinwar’s story does not end with justice. Released in 2011 as part of the grotesquely lopsided Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, in which over a thousand Palestinian prisoners—including convicted terrorists—were traded for a single Israeli soldier, Sinwar returned to Gaza a hero among Hamas’s most militant factions. He wasted no time in consolidating power, becoming the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza and injecting a fresh dose of extremism into the organisation's activities. Under his leadership, the construction of terror tunnels and the accumulation of a vast arsenal of rockets became top priorities. This was not a man interested in governing or improving the lives of Gazans—Sinwar’s goal was war, pure and simple.

The October 7th Massacre: A Calculated Act of Terror

It was on October 7th, 2023, that Sinwar’s vision for Hamas reached its most horrific expression. Thousands of Hamas militants, under his orders, stormed across the Israeli border, unleashing a wave of unrestrained brutality upon civilians. The toll was appalling: over 1,200 Israelis dead, many of them women, children, and the elderly. Hundreds more were taken hostage, their fate intended to serve as leverage in the perverse political theatre that Hamas thrives upon. The scenes of burned-out homes and slaughtered families were not the unintended consequences of war but the very objective of Sinwar’s plan. This was terrorism in its most distilled form, an attempt not to negotiate or to fight a military battle, but to murder, maim, and provoke.

Sinwar’s orchestration of this atrocity was not an aberration, but the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to the principles of Hamas—principles which glorify violence, martyrdom, and the annihilation of Israel. Those who suggest that this organisation represents a legitimate form of ‘resistance’ must contend with the fact that Sinwar’s legacy is written in the blood of innocents.

The Machinery of Terror: Qatar and Iran’s Hand in the Game

To understand the persistence of Hamas, one must look beyond Sinwar to its enablers. While the West often appears reluctant to acknowledge the uncomfortable truths, Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran have been the twin pillars sustaining Hamas for years. Qatar’s financial contributions, often passed off as humanitarian aid, have flowed into the coffers of a terrorist organisation whose primary investment has been in rockets, tunnels, and terror infrastructure. Iran, meanwhile, has provided the arms, training, and logistical support that allow Hamas to maintain its war footing.

These regimes, while cloaking their actions in the rhetoric of regional stability, have in fact ensured that the flames of conflict continue to burn. Sinwar’s death, assuming it is confirmed, may indeed be a blow to Hamas, but the group’s ability to recover and reorganise will remain unimpeded so long as this steady stream of support persists. To truly weaken Hamas, the West must confront those who underwrite its violence and stop pretending that the problem is confined to the borders of Gaza.

While Israel bears the brunt of Hamas’s violence, the world should not view this as Israel’s battle alone. The October 7th attacks were not merely an assault on one nation but an attack on the values of civilisation itself. Yet, despite the clear moral imperative, Israel has found itself in the familiar position of fighting alone while much of the international community stands on the sidelines, uttering platitudes about ‘both sides’ and ‘de-escalation’. It is a moral abdication of the highest order, one that allows terror to flourish while the West busies itself with diplomatic niceties.

The story of Yahya Sinwar is a grim reminder of what happens when terrorism is allowed to metastasise unchecked. He may be gone, but the machinery that sustained him is still very much in place. For too long, the international community has turned a blind eye to the state sponsorship of terror in the form of funding and arms from Qatar and Iran. This must end. If the world is serious about combatting terrorism, then it is time to stop indulging those who aid and abet it.

WBII stands with Israel and calls for a global reckoning with the forces that sustain Hamas. The fight against terrorism must be a collective effort, and the time for half-measures and equivocation is long past.

Genocide in Gaza: Fact or Myth?

An exploration into the meaning of genocide and its widespread use in public discourse since October 7th

We Believe in Israel (WBII) is pleased to announce the publication of our latest white paper, 'Genocide in Gaza: Fact or Myth?'. In a time when baseless accusations are being hurled at Israel from every corner, this white paper tackles head-on the most inflammatory of these claims—that Israel is engaged in genocide. The word has been thrown around with reckless abandon, used as a political weapon rather than as a term with profound legal and moral implications.

This paper doesn’t just argue; it dissects. It brings rigorous intellectual scrutiny to the matter, using historical, legal, and factual analysis to challenge the misleading narratives that have dominated much of the conversation since the events of October 7th, 2023. Israel is being accused of the gravest of crimes, and yet, as we demonstrate, the facts simply do not support such hyperbolic claims.

At the heart of this discussion is the distinction between defensive military operations and the deliberate, systematic destruction of a people, which the word "genocide" demands. While Israel fights a defensive war against an organisation—Hamas—that openly calls for the extermination of Jews, this distinction has been lost on many. This white paper will give you the tools to cut through the noise and understand the reality of the conflict.

We encourage you to read the full white paper and arm yourself with the facts. In a world that so often demands we side with convenient narratives, the truth has never been more important.

Foreword - Catherine Perez-Shakdam, Executive Director We Believe In Israel

It is an unfortunate reality of our age that words once reserved for the gravest of human atrocities have become cheap currency in the hands of ideologues. In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the word "genocide" has been bandied about with reckless abandon, not as an informed judgment but as a cudgel of condemnation. The very term, which was forged in the aftermath of the Holocaust—a systematic, industrial slaughter of six million Jews—has now been stretched, distorted, and grotesquely misapplied. To conflate the Israeli state’s military actions with genocide is not only intellectually dishonest but also morally perverse.

This paper, then, is an essential corrective to a discourse that has lost its bearings. It seeks to drag the conversation back from the fever swamps of propaganda and into the realm of reasoned debate. There is a profoundly dangerous ignorance at work in this modern discourse, an ignorance that not only trivialises the term "genocide" but actively empowers the very forces that revel in the prospect of annihilation. For to claim, as some have, that Israel’s response to Hamas’s terror is an act of genocide is to wilfully ignore the charter of Hamas itself—a charter that does not merely advocate for the liberation of a people but explicitly calls for the eradication of Jews.

We must dispense with the illusion that this conflict is simply about land or borders. At its core, it is about survival—about whether a people will be permitted to exist in a region that has, for centuries, sought their destruction. To level charges of genocide against the one state in the region that strives to uphold democratic values is to side with those who would see those very values obliterated. The fashionable moral equivalence drawn between a sovereign state defending itself and a terrorist organisation committed to its destruction is an insult to history, to reason, and to the millions who have perished in actual genocides.

This paper does not shy away from the brutal realities of the conflict. It acknowledges the suffering on all sides but demands intellectual rigour in distinguishing between acts of war and the systematic extermination of a people. In doing so, it calls upon us to confront the uncomfortable truths that have been buried beneath the cacophony of accusations: that Hamas, not Israel, is the entity whose actions and words most closely align with the true definition of genocide.

Let us be clear: to misuse the term "genocide" is not merely an academic failing. It is a moral failure of the highest order, for it dilutes the meaning of the word and dishonours the memory of those who have been victims of actual genocides. If we allow this misuse to continue unchallenged, we not only distort the present conflict but risk undermining the very moral foundation upon which our understanding of human rights stands. This paper seeks to prevent such a collapse, calling upon its readers to confront facts, not slogans; evidence, not hysteria; and ultimately, justice, not convenient narratives.

Access the paper here: ‘Genocide_in_Gaza’__Fact_or_Myth.pdf

White Paper: International Law, Terrorism, and the Legitimacy of Israel’s Actions in Gaza and the West Bank

The white paper titled "International Law, Terrorism, and the Legitimacy of Israel’s Actions in Gaza and the West Bank" is an incisive analysis that meticulously dissects the legal foundations underpinning Israel’s military operations in one of the world’s most contested regions. In an era where the term "international law" is wielded as both a sword and a shield, this paper powerfully asserts that Israel’s actions, far from being extralegal or excessive, are firmly rooted in the enduring principles of self-defence and international humanitarian law.

At the heart of this argument lies a clear thesis: Israel’s right to defend itself against existential threats is not merely permissible under international law but is an obligation enshrined in the very fabric of legal norms that govern state conduct in times of conflict. Article 51 of the UN Charter, which enshrines the right of self-defence, is not an abstract concept but a vital legal lifeline for nations under siege. For Israel, a state surrounded by adversaries openly committed to its destruction, this right is not just theoretical but a matter of survival.

This white paper does not shy away from confronting the harsh realities of modern warfare, particularly the asymmetric nature of the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. It scrutinises the frequent allegations made against Israel concerning civilian casualties, placing these within the context of a conflict where Hamas has turned the use of civilians as human shields into a deliberate strategy of war. The paper rightly points out that while every civilian death is a tragedy, the international community’s failure to hold Hamas accountable for its cynical tactics is both hypocritical and dangerous.

The analysis also tackles the glaring inconsistencies in international law, particularly the lack of a universal definition of terrorism. This absence has allowed a pernicious relativism to take hold, where acts of terror are reframed as resistance, and Israel’s legitimate defensive measures are recast as acts of aggression. This observation becomes especially critical when compared to the responses of other states to international terrorism. The paper argues that this selective application of international law not only undermines Israel’s security but also emboldens terrorist organisations who exploit these legal ambiguities to further their aims. 

Furthermore, the white paper delves into the complexities of jurisdictional issues in prosecuting transnational terrorism and the ever-present tension between ensuring security and safeguarding human rights. It presents a compelling case that Israel’s actions, when viewed through the correct legal lens, are not only justified but are a necessary part of the global fight against terrorism—a fight that Western democracies must recognise as their own.

In its conclusion, the paper issues a stark warning: The international community’s reluctance to acknowledge Israel’s legal and moral right to defend itself may well set a dangerous precedent. By undermining Israel’s position, Western nations may unwittingly weaken their own ability to respond to similar threats, as the same legal standards they seek to impose on Israel could one day be used to hamstring their efforts to protect their citizens.

This foreword, therefore, serves not merely as an introduction but as a call to re-examine the double standards that have long plagued the discourse around Israel and international law. As the white paper prepares for publication, it offers policymakers, legal scholars, and the informed public a crucial perspective on why Israel’s actions must be seen as not just defensible, but as essential to the preservation of the rule of law in an increasingly lawless world.

Catherine Perez-Shakdam - Executive Director We Believe In Israel 

Click Here to Read the Full Report

Special Report: Hezbollah’s Legacy of Terror and Israel’s Right to Self-Defence

Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militia, has long cemented its place as one of the most dangerous and well-organised terrorist networks in the Middle East. Since its inception in the early 1980s, Hezbollah has operated with a singular, destructive purpose: the eradication of Israel. What began as a fringe militant group has metastasised into a sprawling, ruthless organisation, orchestrating terror not only in the region but across the globe. Over the decades, Hezbollah has targeted Western interests, Jewish communities, and—most egregiously—the state of Israel itself, all while operating with impunity.

The recent events surrounding the brutal attacks on Israel on October 7 have once again thrown Hezbollah’s true character into sharp relief. Without provocation and true to form, Hezbollah seized the opportunity to unleash fresh violence against Israel, hoping to further destabilise an already volatile region. This time, as ever, Hezbollah acted as an extension of Iran’s foreign policy—using its network to provoke and perpetuate chaos. Israel’s response, often unfairly characterised by its critics as disproportionate, was in fact an act of necessary self-defence. To frame it as anything less is to ignore the existential threat Hezbollah has posed to Israel for decades.

But while Hezbollah’s hatred for Israel is well-known, what is less frequently discussed—though no less tragic—is its stranglehold on Lebanon itself. The Lebanese people have long suffered under the yoke of this militant group. Hezbollah has hijacked Lebanon’s political, military, and economic structures, holding the country hostage while it wages its war of terror. Unlike Hamas in Gaza, which enjoys local support despite its brutality, Hezbollah is increasingly opposed by a large portion of the Lebanese population. Yet, the organisation’s grip on power is so entrenched that it has rendered the Lebanese people powerless to act.

Lebanon—a country once known for its religious pluralism and thriving culture—has been dragged into ruin by Hezbollah’s actions. The group’s political influence has corroded Lebanon’s democracy, and its militarisation of the state has turned Lebanon into little more than a staging ground for Iranian ambitions. The devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion stands as a horrific example of Hezbollah’s reckless disregard for civilian life. The ammonium nitrate that exploded, destroying large parts of the city and killing hundreds of civilians, was stored under Hezbollah’s watch, meant for weapons production. It was a catastrophe of Hezbollah’s making, and yet the Lebanese people were the ones left to pick up the pieces.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese economy is in freefall. Hyperinflation, energy shortages, and basic goods priced beyond reach are all the bitter fruits of Hezbollah’s rule. The group diverts state funds into its war machine, prioritising its military operations and its loyalty to Tehran over the wellbeing of Lebanon’s citizens. The Lebanese people are forced to live under economic and political duress, while Hezbollah uses their suffering to fund its endless wars. It is a situation that can no longer be ignored by the international community.

Hezbollah’s destruction is not limited to Lebanon. Its involvement in the Syrian Civil War, where it deployed thousands of fighters to prop up the Assad regime, has further exposed its regional ambitions. At Iran’s behest, Hezbollah has acted as a brutal enforcer in Syria, helping to crush opposition forces and turning Syria into yet another theatre of conflict. Its role in Syria is a continuation of its strategy in Lebanon—use violence to suppress dissent, prop up allies, and destabilise wherever it sees fit.

The time has come for the world to see Hezbollah for what it truly is: a terrorist organisation bent on regional dominance and the destruction of Israel. The Lebanese people—caught in the crossfire of this ideology of violence—deserve better than to live under the rule of a group that prioritises terror over the welfare of its own countrymen. For too long, the international community has turned a blind eye to Hezbollah’s activities, content to let the group operate in the shadows. But the reality is stark: Hezbollah is not just a threat to Israel; it is a threat to stability in the entire Middle East, and its existence continues to erode any hope of peace in the region.

Israel’s actions in defending itself are not only justified but essential to confronting this menace. In the face of Hezbollah’s aggression, Israel has every right to strike back with precision and force. The international community, meanwhile, must recognise the perverse nature of Hezbollah—its exploitation of Lebanon, its destabilisation of the region, and its unrelenting campaign against Israel. To ignore this reality any longer is to allow Hezbollah to continue its stranglehold on both Lebanon and the broader Middle East.

It is time for the world to act decisively, to take meaningful steps against Hezbollah, and to understand that the future of both Lebanon and regional stability depends on dismantling this violent organisation. The Lebanese people deserve a future free from the chains of Hezbollah’s tyranny, and the international community has a moral duty to help achieve that future.

Timeline: Hezbollah’s Campaign of Violence Against the West and Israel

Hezbollah’s history is a dark and bloody one, littered with attacks on civilians, kidnappings, and bombings that have killed and maimed indiscriminately. Its willingness to strike at both Western and Israeli targets has made it one of the most feared and despised terror groups operating today. A brief look at some of its key atrocities should suffice to remind us of its true nature:

• 1983: The bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, which killed 241 American servicemen. This attack, orchestrated by Hezbollah, shocked the world and revealed the group’s capacity for mass murder.

• 1984: Hezbollah bombed the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut, killing 24 people, including U.S. military personnel. This attack was a clear declaration that Hezbollah would target any and all Western interests.

• 1992: Hezbollah bombed the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, killing 29 people. This was the first major international attack against an Israeli target, marking Hezbollah’s expansion of its terror campaign beyond the Middle East.

• 1994: Hezbollah struck again in Buenos Aires, this time bombing the AMIA Jewish community centre, killing 85 people. This was one of the deadliest anti-Semitic attacks in modern history.

• 2006: Hezbollah sparked the Second Lebanon War by kidnapping and killing Israeli soldiers, leading to a conflict that would claim the lives of over 1,000 people.

• 2012: In Bulgaria, a Hezbollah suicide bomber targeted Israeli tourists, killing five Israelis and a Bulgarian driver.

Hezbollah’s actions speak for themselves. Time and again, it has targeted civilians, operated with impunity, and shown no regard for human life.

Hezbollah’s Crimes Against UK Nationals and Western Interests

The United Kingdom has not been spared from Hezbollah’s violent reach. Throughout the 1980s, Hezbollah was responsible for the kidnapping of several British nationals in Lebanon, including the journalist John McCarthy and the Church of England envoy Terry Waite. These individuals were held for years in appalling conditions, used as bargaining chips in Hezbollah’s broader campaign against the West. More recently, Hezbollah’s extensive financial networks, including those operating within the UK, have funded its terrorist operations through drug smuggling and money laundering schemes.

Recognising the threat Hezbollah poses, the UK officially designated the entirety of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in 2019. This was a necessary step, long overdue, as Hezbollah’s malign influence has only grown, both within Lebanon and across the globe.

At the core of Hezbollah’s existence lies an uncompromising commitment to Israel’s destruction. It is not an organisation driven by national interests or legitimate grievances but by a fanatical hatred of the Jewish state. Since its formation, Hezbollah’s leadership has made no secret of its desire to obliterate Israel. Backed by Iran, the group has amassed an arsenal of rockets, missiles, and fighters, with the sole purpose of inflicting death and destruction upon Israeli civilians.

Hezbollah’s use of Lebanese civilians as human shields, its embedding of weaponry in schools, homes, and hospitals, and its utter disregard for international law are not incidental. These are deliberate strategies designed to escalate conflict while maximising civilian casualties on both sides.

Iran’s Influence and Hezbollah’s Hijacking of Lebanon

Hezbollah’s stranglehold on Lebanon extends far beyond mere military operations. This Iranian-backed militia has hijacked Lebanon’s political and economic systems, holding a significant portion of the population hostage to its violent agenda. Unlike Hamas in Gaza, which enjoys broad local support, Hezbollah faces considerable internal opposition. Many Lebanese citizens want nothing to do with the organisation’s extremist tactics, but Hezbollah’s deep entrenchment within the nation’s power structures means that the people remain trapped under its grip.

One of the most devastating consequences of Hezbollah’s reckless governance was the 2020 Beirut port explosion, a disaster that ranks among the worst in Lebanon’s history. The explosion, triggered by ammonium nitrate stored for years under Hezbollah’s watchful eye, obliterated vast parts of the city, killing over 200 civilians and reducing the port to ruins. This catastrophe was no accident but a result of Hezbollah’s utter disregard for civilian life, storing materials designed for weapons in the heart of a civilian area. The group’s obsession with its war efforts led directly to this avoidable tragedy.

Economically, Hezbollah has dragged Lebanon into near-total collapse. The country now grapples with soaring inflation, crippling energy shortages, and basic goods priced beyond the reach of the average citizen. Much of this economic devastation can be traced back to Hezbollah’s control over Lebanon’s resources. The group syphons off state funds to fuel its military ambitions, leaving the people to bear the brunt of their ruinous policies. As ordinary Lebanese struggle to afford food, fuel, and medicine, Hezbollah continues to “tax” these scarce resources to finance its wars abroad, sinking the nation deeper into despair and misery.

This is a group that does not govern; it exploits. It thrives on Lebanon’s suffering while pushing the country ever closer to collapse. The opposition from within Lebanon is understandable, but Hezbollah’s chokehold has left the people powerless to resist. The group’s allegiance lies not with Lebanon’s future but with Iran’s regional ambitions, and the cost is being borne by the Lebanese people.

Hezbollah’s Systematic Oppression and Repression of Religious Minorities

Hezbollah’s stranglehold on Lebanon extends far beyond military operations and political manipulation—it encompasses a systematic oppression of religious minorities within the country. Backed by Iran, Hezbollah has entrenched itself within Lebanon's power structures, wielding influence not only through violence but also by promoting a narrow sectarian agenda that marginalises and represses the country’s diverse religious communities.

Lebanon, a country historically known for its religious pluralism, has long been home to a delicate balance of various Christian, Muslim, Druze, and other minority groups. However, under Hezbollah’s dominance, this fragile coexistence has been increasingly undermined. The group’s Shia Islamist ideology, driven by Iran’s regional ambitions, seeks to impose its religious and political agenda at the expense of Lebanon’s once-thriving religious diversity. Hezbollah’s presence and control have created a climate of fear, discrimination, and marginalisation for those who do not subscribe to its extremist worldview.

Christian communities, once an integral and prominent part of Lebanon’s political and social fabric, have found themselves increasingly sidelined and silenced. Hezbollah’s rise has diminished their political influence, and many Christian leaders who once played significant roles in Lebanon’s governance have either been coerced into silence or have seen their power eroded. These communities, facing both political and physical intimidation, now live under the constant threat of Hezbollah’s repressive tactics.

The Druze community, known for its independence and unique religious identity, has also faced targeted repression. Hezbollah’s attempts to dominate Lebanon's internal affairs have often come at the cost of this small but significant religious minority. The group’s operations in Druze-dominated areas, coupled with political coercion, have made it increasingly difficult for the Druze to maintain their cultural and political autonomy.

Beyond political repression, religious minorities in Hezbollah-controlled areas face systematic discrimination and harassment. In regions where Hezbollah exerts significant control, religious minorities are often subject to coercion, with reports of forced conversions, discrimination in access to resources, and harassment based on their religious identity. This sectarian stranglehold suffocates not only the political rights of these communities but also their religious freedoms.

Hezbollah’s role in repressing Lebanon’s religious minorities has further exacerbated the nation’s descent into economic ruin. Many minorities, having lost both political representation and economic opportunity, have seen their ability to thrive diminished. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to exploit state resources for its war efforts and agendas dictated by Tehran. Religious minorities, along with the broader Lebanese population, are being economically crippled by Hezbollah’s corrupt and parasitic control.

Lebanon’s once vibrant religious diversity has become a shadow of its former self under Hezbollah’s reign of terror. The group’s systematic oppression of minorities is not just a political calculation but an assault on the very fabric of Lebanese society. Lebanon, which was once seen as a beacon of pluralism in the Arab world, is now fractured and weakened, with entire communities marginalised and oppressed by a regime that views diversity as a threat.

This repression is not limited to Lebanon’s borders. Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria’s civil war, at the behest of Iran, has been equally brutal towards religious minorities, particularly the Christian and Sunni populations in Syria. Hezbollah’s fighters, acting as Iran’s enforcers, have participated in the violent suppression of Sunni communities resisting the Assad regime, with entire villages depopulated and sectarian violence ravaging the country. The fate of religious minorities in Syria mirrors the dark reality faced by Lebanon’s own communities under Hezbollah’s influence.

Hezbollah’s oppression of Lebanon’s religious minorities is emblematic of its broader ideological agenda: to reshape Lebanon into a sectarian stronghold that aligns with Iran’s geopolitical ambitions. In doing so, Hezbollah is dismantling the foundations of Lebanon’s pluralism, leaving a country deeply divided and its people oppressed, fearful, and uncertain about the future.

Hezbollah’s Unprovoked Aggression After October 7

The group’s most recent campaign of violence began in the immediate aftermath of the atrocities committed against Israel on October 7. Without any provocation, Hezbollah launched a series of attacks against Israeli towns and military positions along the northern border. This was not an act of self-defence; it was an opportunistic strike, exploiting Israel’s moment of vulnerability following the attacks by Hamas.

Hezbollah’s leadership, emboldened by Iranian support, sought to ignite a second front in an already fragile region. By doing so, Hezbollah demonstrated once again that it has no interest in peace, no regard for the lives of civilians, and no intention of allowing Israel to exist in security.

Faced with these unprovoked attacks, Israel has acted with remarkable restraint and precision. Far from the indiscriminate military response its critics so often decry, Israel’s latest strikes against Hezbollah have been targeted, measured, and entirely in line with international law. Israel’s decision to target Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure—crippling the group’s ability to coordinate further attacks—was a necessary and legitimate act of self-defence.

Those who accuse Israel of disproportionate force must be reminded that Hezbollah is not a conventional military force but a terrorist organisation that operates with impunity from within civilian areas. Israel’s strikes are designed not to punish but to protect—to prevent further bloodshed by dismantling Hezbollah’s capacity for violence.

The Global Implications of Israel’s Defensive Strikes

Israel’s actions in recent weeks have not just been about defending its own borders. They have also sent a clear message to Hezbollah’s backers in Tehran and Damascus: aggression against Israel will not be tolerated. The precision of these strikes, and the restraint shown in avoiding civilian casualties, has demonstrated once again that Israel is not just a regional power but a responsible actor on the global stage.

For Arab states watching from the sidelines, many of whom are now tentatively normalising relations with Israel, this operation has likely reinforced Israel’s position as a reliable and necessary ally in a region plagued by instability. Hezbollah’s provocations, rather than uniting the Arab world in opposition to Israel, have only further exposed the group’s recklessness and the futility of its campaign against a sovereign state.

Hezbollah’s long history of violence and its relentless aggression against Israel leave no room for doubt: this is not a group seeking peace or reconciliation. It is a terrorist organisation that thrives on conflict, driven by an ideology of hatred. Israel’s response to Hezbollah’s latest attacks is not only justified but necessary. It is a clear exercise of the right to self-defence, a right enshrined in international law and essential to Israel’s survival.

Whilst the loss of innocent lives is always a source of profound sorrow and must be avoided at all costs, the brutal realities of war often make this tragically unavoidable. But let us not forget where the blame truly lies. It is not with those defending their homeland but with those who seek to weaponise civilian lives, sacrificing them at the altar of their revolting ideology. Hezbollah’s continued use of human shields and its cynical exploitation of civilians is a moral crime of the highest order.

Let us not be swayed by the morally bankrupt arguments of those who would cast Israel as the aggressor. The facts are clear. Hezbollah has chosen the path of violence, and Israel, as any nation would, has responded to protect its people. Anything less would be a dereliction of its duty to defend its citizens and ensure the safety of its borders.