Hezbollah's Strategic Deterrence Against Israel
Military and strategic expert Major General Muhammad Al-Samadi has highlighted Hezbollah's effective deterrent capabilities in the ongoing conflict with Israel. He asserts that Hezbollah has established a balance of power by targeting Israeli cities, particularly in response to aggressive statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Al-Samadi noted that Hezbollah's missile strike on a strategic center in Tel Aviv has created a 'capital-for-capital' equation, indicating that any attack on Beirut will be reciprocated with a strike on Tel Aviv.
In the context of ground battles along the Lebanese border, Al-Samadi explained that the Israeli military aims to control the Khiam area due to its strategic importance. He emphasized that such control hampers the defender's ability to mount an effective counter-offensive. Despite some limited incursions by Israeli forces, they have faced significant losses, leading to a reliance on infantry tactics in the region. Al-Samadi pointed out that the Israeli penetration into Lebanese territory ranges from 5 to 6.5 kilometers, underscoring the challenges faced by the Israeli military.
The Nature of Asymmetric Warfare
Al-Samadi elaborated on the asymmetric warfare dynamics between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, which is characterized by a conventional force supported by advanced artillery and air power, versus Hezbollah's guerrilla tactics that include rocket barrages and the use of suicide drones. He noted that fierce fighting has erupted in areas such as Alma al-Shaab and Tal al-Bayadh, where Israeli forces are attempting to cut off coastal routes and locate missile launch sites.
The geographical features of the region, including open valleys, facilitate Israeli mobilization, yet Al-Samadi maintains that Hezbollah's capabilities remain cohesive and influential. As the situation evolves, he anticipates that the coming hours will reveal the outcomes of the ongoing confrontations, marked by escalating battles and strategic exchanges between the two parties.
