Jamaa Islamiya, though less known than other militant factions in Lebanon, is gaining attention due to heightened clashes along the border with Israel.
Established in the 1960s, Jamaa Islamiya asserts involvement in joint activities with Palestinian group Hamas in southern Lebanon. Following recent Israeli strikes, they reported the loss of seven members, described as rescuers. Israeli forces, however, labeled them as “terrorists.”
Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center sees Jamaa Islamiya as an extension of Hamas in Lebanon, with a relationship he describes as “organic.”
Despite having around 500 armed members, they play a minor political role, holding only one seat in parliament. Their ties with Hezbollah have fluctuated, but recent leadership changes have improved relations, although they remain independent.
While they share the same ideological roots as Hamas, they have differences, particularly regarding the Syrian conflict, where Hezbollah supports Assad while Hamas and Jamaa Islamiya do not. Despite these disagreements, they stand together with Hezbollah on the Palestinian cause.
