Hezbollah's Military Strategy in Lebanon
Military expert Brigadier General Elias Hanna provided insights into Hezbollah's operational tactics in southern Lebanon, stating that the group does not engage in guerrilla warfare like Palestinian factions in Gaza. Instead, Hezbollah employs what he terms 'flexible defense and regressive defense' strategies. This approach is characterized by independent village defenses that can operate autonomously in the event of an Israeli encirclement.
Recent Casualties and Tactical Developments
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Israeli army reported the deaths of 57 officers and soldiers on the Lebanese front since the conflict escalated, with 10 fatalities occurring within the last 24 hours. In contrast, Hezbollah claimed to have killed 70 Israeli soldiers and inflicted over 600 injuries, along with destroying various military assets, including tanks and drones.
Israel's Military Approach
According to Hanna, the Israeli military strategy is focused on 'punitive and deterrent deterrence,' leading to intensified airstrikes across various regions, including Beirut and southern Lebanon. Conversely, Hezbollah aims for 'cumulative deterrence,' seeking to inflict maximum losses on Israeli forces to push for a political resolution. The Israeli army's current operations target key locations such as Aita al-Shaab, with the intention to encircle towns and enhance their military positioning against Hezbollah.
