Green Without Borders

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Green Without Borders (Arabic: أخضر بلا حدود), is a Lebanese NGO established in 2013, claiming to focus on environmental conservation through activities like reforestation, firefighting, and creating public parks, primarily in South Lebanon and the Beqa’a Valley. While GWB states its mission is to protect Lebanon's natural resources and promote sustainable development, it has faced significant controversy. Allegations from Israeli intelligence, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and United Nations show that the organization may operate as a front for Hezbollah, the Iran backed Shiite militant group. Its chairman, Zuhair Subhi Nahla, is publicly affiliated with Hezbollah and expresses loyalty to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.[1][2][3]

History and activity

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Green Without Borders was established in 2013.[1] The organization claims its purpose is to protect Lebanon's natural environment, including reforestation activities. The organization claims to have planted more than one million trees and operates firefighting facilities throughout southern Lebanon, contributing to local ecological preservation. It is recognized for organizing volunteer courses and initiatives related to forestry, wildlife, and environmental management. Over the years, Green Without Borders has expanded its efforts to include advocacy on a broader regional scale, addressing key environmental issues such as air pollution, waste management, water conservation, and the protection of biodiversity in Lebanon and neighboring countries in the Levant.[2][2]

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Green Without Borders chairman is, Zuhair Subhi Nahla. A man that openly supports Hezbollah and says he is loyal to Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei. and states he agrees with Iran’s goals in the region. Nahla and the group praise Hezbollah’s fallen fighters, hold environmental events in their honor, and work openly with Hezbollah organizations.[2][4]

Alleged Hezbollah ties

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The U.S. Department of the Treasury has labeled Green Without Borders (GWB) and its leader, Zouher Nahli, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). The Treasury claims that GWB supports Hezbollah's operations in southern Lebanon, particularly along the Blue Line, the border area between Lebanon and Israel.[1][5][3] GWB's outposts are allegedly used by Hezbollah for hiding weapons and munitions storage, obstructing the work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and violating United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon.[6]

The UN Secretary-General's October 2024 report raised concerns about Hezbollah's presence in the area, stating that over 30 military outposts, some manned by Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, were erected along the Blue Line to block UNIFIL's access.[5] The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also reported that Hezbollah uses GWB outposts for surveillance and intelligence.[7] While UNIFIL has been monitoring GWB, it has been denied access to some of the sites, making it harder to verify these allegations. These events highlight the challenges of dealing with organizations that may hide military activities under the guise of environmental work in conflict zones.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Treasury Sanctions Lebanese Entity and Leader for Providing Support to Hizballah". U.S. Department of the Treasury. 2025-02-08. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
  2. ^ a b c d "Green Without Borders: The Operational Benefits of Hezbollah's Environmental NGO | The Washington Institute". www.washingtoninstitute.org. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
  3. ^ a b Sheridan, Colin (2024-10-20). "Colin Sheridan: Peacekeepers' patience in Lebanon could turn to aggression". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
  4. ^ "Green Without Borders: a Lebanese environmental organization that collaborates with Hezbollah and supports its activity near the Israeli border - The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center". www.terrorism-info.org.il. Archived from the original on 2025-08-06. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  5. ^ a b c "US sanctions Lebanese environmental group accused of being an arm of Hezbollah". AP News. 2023-08-16. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
  6. ^ Robbins, Elizabeth (2023-08-16). "Hezbollah 'Green' Group Builds Dozens of New Military Outposts Along Israeli Border". FDD. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
  7. ^ "Defense Minister Yoav Gallant designated the "Green Without Borders" association as a terrorist organization due to it being an association operating under cover for Hezbollah". nbctf.mod.gov.il. 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-30.