Israeli Military Operations in Lebanon: Challenges and Strategies
On October 1, Israel commenced a ground military operation against Lebanon, characterized by air strikes, artillery shelling, and targeted assassinations. Despite significant military buildup, including five divisions totaling 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers, the Israeli army has struggled to establish a foothold in any Lebanese village. This failure is attributed to fierce resistance from Hezbollah, which has reportedly inflicted over 100 fatalities and 1,000 injuries on Israeli forces since the operation began.
Military experts suggest that the Israeli strategy has shifted from attempting to occupy villages to conducting raids aimed at destruction and quick withdrawal. Brigadier General Hassan Jouni explained that the Israeli military's tactics resemble advanced raids rather than traditional occupations, as they aim to destroy specific targets without the intention of holding territory. The resistance's ability to set ambushes has forced Israeli forces to adapt their approach, focusing on booby-trapping buildings and retreating to minimize casualties.
The Implications of Israeli Tactics on Lebanese Resistance
The ongoing military operations have raised questions about the effectiveness of Israeli strategies and the resilience of Hezbollah. Brigadier General Ali Abi Raad noted that the Israeli military's goal is twofold: to facilitate troop movements by destroying buildings that could harbor resistance fighters and to render areas uninhabitable, thereby isolating the resistance from its support base. This approach, referred to as “punitive deterrence,” has been a hallmark of Israeli military strategy in various conflicts, including the 2006 war.
The use of internationally banned weapons, such as phosphorous and vacuum bombs, has also been reported, raising concerns about long-term destruction and the potential for a humanitarian crisis. Experts warn that if the conflict continues, the reconstruction of affected areas could take years, further complicating the situation for civilians. Additionally, while Israel aims to push Hezbollah away from the border, experts believe that the deep-rooted connection of the population to their land makes such efforts unrealistic. Even if Hezbollah were to be disarmed in certain areas, the group's missile capabilities would still pose a significant threat from further distances.
