The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has been described as a “major blow” to Israel, offering the militant group valuable time to regroup and strengthen its defenses, according to Rami Khouri, a distinguished fellow at the American University of Beirut.
During an interview with Al Jazeera, Khouri noted that the ceasefire is likely to hold initially due to the exhaustion of all sides involved in the conflict. Israel’s army has been engaged in prolonged operations in both Gaza and Lebanon, but Khouri pointed out that the primary goals set by Israel have not been achieved.
Khouri emphasized that the ceasefire is a significant setback for Israel, despite their reluctance to admit it. He stated, “Being forced to accept the ceasefire is a major blow to Israel. They won’t admit it, but it is a big blow to them.” On the other hand, Hezbollah stands to benefit from the ceasefire, using the opportunity to regroup and strengthen their defenses.
Additionally, Khouri highlighted Iran’s critical role in the conflict, noting its interest in avoiding a full-scale war while reassessing its regional deterrence capabilities. The impact of the ceasefire on Gaza and the broader Middle East, according to Khouri, remains to be seen.
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire offers a temporary respite, but the underlying issues and power dynamics at play are far from resolved. The ceasefire may provide a brief pause in the conflict, but the situation remains complex and volatile, with far-reaching implications for the region.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Lebanon ceasefire a 'major blow' to Israel, offers Hezbollah time to regroup: Analysis” was uploaded on 11/27/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English