Israeli Defense Forces soldiers operating in villages and towns across southern Lebanon have discovered arms caches, militant facilities, and materials issued by the Mahdi publishing house affiliated with Hezbollah's Imam al-Mahdi Scouts youth group.

In one instance, forces located a postcard from the publisher stating: "What stays with a person throughout life is reading books at a young age; reading should become part of people's lives just like food, sleep, and other daily routines."

On the back of this quality postcard was an image of Iran's previous supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who perished in the initial attack of Operation Roaring Lion.

The Imam al-Mahdi Scouts function as Hezbollah's dedicated youth organization, created to educate and socialize future members. It draws primarily from Shi'ite communities in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, Beirut's Dahieh area, and the capital, boasting membership in the tens of thousands.

Early Indoctrination Efforts

Specialists note that the Imam al-Mahdi Scouts blend ideological training with military elements, instilling opposition to Israel and the United States starting in childhood.

The Mahdi publishing house acts as a key tool for the group's messaging, creating newspapers, magazines like Mahdi magazine, and brochures that depict Hezbollah fighters as role models and frame Israel as a foe to confront via attacks, including suicide missions known as "shahada."

These materials also highlight Iran's rulers, especially Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, building esteem for him among the youth. Specialists indicate that Hezbollah has long worked to build regard for top Iranian officials, such as Khamenei, in the next generation.

Experts explain that Hezbollah's scout program operates as a system for ideological shaping and preliminary enlistment of future fighters. Particularly dedicated members might advance to active units, while others retain support for armed struggle before possibly entering the organization.