Current Situation:
Israel's focus has shifted to its northern border with Lebanon after almost a year of war in Gaza.
Massive bombardments by Israel in Lebanon have targeted Hezbollah, killing at least 700 people and displacing over 100,000.
Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, was killed in the attacks.
The strikes followed explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon, affecting hundreds of Hezbollah fighters.
Despite calls for a ceasefire by the U.S. and France, Israel refused, continuing its operations.
Hezbollah's Background:
Formed in 1982 as a Shia resistance organization with support from Iran’s IRGC after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.
Initially aimed to force the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) out of Lebanon.
Hezbollah developed a political, military, and social network deeply rooted in Lebanese society, supported by Iran.
Reason for Israel-Hezbollah Conflict:
Hezbollah’s primary objective is resistance against Israel, including the destruction of the "Zionist entity" as outlined in its manifesto.
The group claims credit for forcing Israel to end its occupation of southern Lebanon in 2000.
The latest conflict was triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, prompting Israel's bombardment of Lebanon.
Hezbollah's Military Capability:
Hezbollah is a highly armed guerrilla army with short, medium, and long-range missiles, artillery rockets, anti-tank missiles, and other conventional weapons.
Despite its weaponry, Hezbollah’s conventional power is not a match for Israel, which is backed by the U.S. and possesses nuclear capabilities.
Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s assassinated leader, is credited with building the group's strength.
Israel's Objectives:
Israel aims to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities and remove them from the border area.
After a year of fighting in Gaza, Israel has not achieved its objectives of destroying Hamas and freeing hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces political pressure, making a ceasefire difficult to accept without achieving a perceived victory.
Future Prospects:
Israel has ruled out a ceasefire on the Lebanese border and escalated the conflict with Hezbollah.
There is uncertainty over whether Israel will launch a ground invasion of Lebanon.
The conflict risks escalating into an all-out war, depending on Hezbollah and Iran’s response to the killing of Nasrallah.
COMMENTS