Israel has taken a drastic step in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah by launching a ground operation in southern Lebanon. This move follows more than a week of devastating air strikes across the country, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Lebanese civilians and the targeting of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
The escalation has prompted calls from Israeli allies, including US President Joe Biden, for a ceasefire to be agreed upon with Hezbollah. However, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has voiced support for the Israeli military’s goals in Lebanon, raising questions about America’s true intentions in the conflict.
The latest developments raise the question of whether America is trying to push Israel towards a diplomatic solution or aiding in the effort to weaken Hezbollah. The situation is complex and fraught with political and military considerations on both sides.
To shed light on the issue, the Inside Story program hosted a discussion with experts in the field. Michael Wahid Hanna from the International Crisis Group, Ilan Baruch from the Policy Working Group, and Andreas Krieg from King’s College London provided insights into the implications of Israel’s ground operation in southern Lebanon.
The situation in the region remains tense, with both Israel and Hezbollah showing no signs of backing down. The conflict is not only a threat to stability in Lebanon but also has broader implications for the entire Middle East. It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the escalating violence and whether a diplomatic solution can be reached to prevent further bloodshed.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Can Israel root out Hezbollah? | Inside Story” was uploaded on 10/01/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English