Amid ongoing Israeli escalation, military and strategic expert Major General Faiz Al-Duwairi reported that the occupying army employed intimidation and shock tactics in its recent attack on Lebanon, highlighting that Hezbollah remains a formidable opponent against Israel.
Lebanon has witnessed increasing Israeli assaults, notably the attack that occurred last Wednesday, where the occupying army targeted around 100 sites in a short period, resulting in the deaths of 254 people and injuring 1165 others, according to the Lebanese Civil Defense Directorate.
Details of the Incident
The Israeli airstrikes continued on the southern suburbs of Beirut and southern Lebanon, just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire with Iran, which Israel claimed did not include Lebanon. Israel utilized what is known as the "Dahiya Doctrine," applied during the Israeli war on Lebanon in 2006, aiming to achieve deterrence through the use of force and destruction of infrastructure.
General Al-Duwairi described this doctrine as relying on holding citizens accountable for the decisions of leaders, in addition to a scorched earth policy aimed at creating societal movement against resistance. He noted that this policy has been in effect since 1948.
Background & Context
The escalation of Israeli actions against Lebanon followed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran, as the occupation seeks to achieve political objectives that include separating fronts, making the Lebanese front independent from the Iranian front. This escalation also comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempts to escape a politically troubled fate after failing to achieve declared objectives in the war against Iran.
Regarding the implications of the confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel, Al-Duwairi pointed to statements from Israeli officials indicating the difficulty of disarming Hezbollah, as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the necessity of confining arms to the Lebanese state.
Impact & Consequences
Despite Israel's attempts to diminish Hezbollah's power through a series of assassinations against its leaders, the party still retains its military capabilities. Estimates indicate that Hezbollah possesses between 150,000 and 200,000 missiles, with variations in types and ranges, making it challenging to determine the exact number of missiles the party currently holds.
Moreover, Hezbollah, despite announcing its withdrawal from the south of the Litani River, remains a fighting force capable of influencing battles, showing coordination with Iran in the use of missiles and drones.
Regional Significance
These developments signal a rise in tensions in the region, as the continued Israeli assaults on Lebanon could lead to further escalation in the conflict. The current situation reflects the challenges faced by Arab countries in dealing with regional crises.
In conclusion, the situation in Lebanon remains complex, as Hezbollah continues to represent an influential force in the regional equation, posing new challenges for Israel and the international community.