While the Iranian-backed Shiite terrorist group is facing growing opposition in Lebanon, it won't relent on its efforts to maintain deterrence vis-à-vis Israel.

In neighboring Lebanon, gunfights in the streets between rival militias are not unusual. Lebanon is a failed state, whose government - when one is finally established – is devoid of control and influence over those operating within in, chiefly, of course, Hezbollah. After all, Lebanese politicians, including government ministers, are at the ones leading the militias raging in the streets.

The lack of governance serves their political and business interests, so there is no chance that they will act seriously to change this reality.

Still, the battles in the center of the capital Beirut were highly unusual, even in Lebanese terms. Not necessarily because of the use of machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, but because the fire was directed at Hezbollah – the most important and powerful political and military force in the country today.

Still, Hezbollah needs legitimacy and public support. However, as the Iraqi election has proven by dealing the pro-Iranian militias in the country, including Hezbollah-Iraq, a massive blow – even among Shiites, criticism of those who put their faith in Tehran is rising.

Hezbollah is in trouble, but this will not divert its attention from Israel. As in the past, the Shiite terrorist group is not interested in a confrontation, but it is determined to preserve the equation of deterrence and not allow Israel to exploit its weakness.