Disputes shake Hezbollah’s media apparatus and turn into a power struggle

24th September 2025

2 minutes read

Disputes shake Hezbollah’s media apparatus and turn into a power struggle

Hezbollah’s media apparatus is facing one of its most complex internal crises in years, with sharp disputes erupting between different factions of its communication team. These tensions led to the dismissal of media official Rana Sahili, amid escalating rivalries that trace back to the assassination of former director Mohammad Afif, who had been widely respected for his organizational and managerial skills.

Following his death, a vacuum emerged within the structure, paving the way for competing attempts to seize control of the media scene. The crisis soon spilled beyond its organizational boundaries, evolving into a broader struggle for influence between multiple wings, at a time when media was expected to project a unified image of the party.

In response, Hezbollah tasked one of its MPs specializing in media affairs with overseeing all communication activities within the organization, pending a broader restructuring and reorganization.

In recent days, social media has been abuzz with news of the removal of Rana Sahili, a prominent figure in the media relations office. In a statement, Sahili expressed gratitude to her colleagues and supporters, recalling key moments of her career, from the Jurud war and the defense of Naqoura to battles of support and resistance.

Sahili had worked closely with Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah’s official spokesperson during the last war, who served as head of media relations until his assassination in an Israeli airstrike last November. After his death, the party appointed Youssef Zein as his successor.

The exact reasons behind the latest reshuffle have not been officially disclosed. However, comments from activists close to Hezbollah suggest internal professional disagreements, with mutual criticism over media strategy, style, and effectiveness. The media relations office limited itself to releasing updated contact information without further clarification.

Sources indicate that the crisis originated mainly within Afif’s team, which had been regarded as a central pillar of the party’s media work. After his death, weaknesses in management and coordination became apparent, including lapses in follow-up, the absence of journalist-focused activities, and difficulties in communication with the unit. This fueled accusations between the old and new teams of sidelining members and attempting to monopolize key positions.

The appointment of Youssef Zein intensified these tensions, exposing organizational shortcomings. This prompted the party to assign MP Ibrahim Moussaoui to directly supervise the unit, though the move failed to fully resolve the disputes.

Amid this atmosphere, a tribute to Rana Sahili by a group of journalists further inflamed the situation. Zein considered the gesture poorly timed, while others interpreted it as a push to grant Sahili a larger role. The silent feud ultimately ended with a decision to redistribute her responsibilities among several officials.

Known as the “dynamo” of the office, Sahili had been in charge of media relations with local, Arab, and international press. Though she was nominally kept in her position, she was stripped of her core duties. By refusing to take on new responsibilities, she effectively found herself excluded from the decision-making circle.