Hezbollah's Defensive Strategies in Southern Lebanon
Retired Major General Fayez al-Duwairi has analyzed Hezbollah's military strategies, highlighting the group's effective use of the geographical terrain in southern Lebanon to thwart advances by the Israeli army. This strategic advantage has been crucial in the ongoing conflict, which has seen increased hostilities since the outbreak of violence in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. Al-Duwairi noted that Hezbollah's defensive plan has successfully hindered Israeli forces, resulting in significant casualties for the latter, with reports indicating that at least 17 Israeli soldiers have died within a 48-hour period due to clashes in the region.
Ongoing Clashes and Military Dynamics
The fighting in southern Lebanon has persisted for over a month, with Israeli forces reportedly making only minor advances of around 2,200 meters in certain areas. Al-Duwairi emphasized that the Israeli army has not been able to establish a permanent presence in these regions, indicating the effectiveness of Hezbollah's tactical responses. He detailed that the conflict has remained concentrated within a one-kilometer range, showcasing the limitations faced by Israeli forces despite mobilizing five divisions. The military expert pointed out that the Israeli army has only managed to set up temporary assembly points, demonstrating its struggle to achieve deeper penetration into Hezbollah-controlled territories.
The Broader Context of the Conflict
The escalation in southern Lebanon follows Israel's intensified military operations across various regions, including Beirut, which have involved severe airstrikes and a ground invasion. Hezbollah's response has been marked by daily missile, drone, and artillery attacks targeting Israeli military sites and settlements. While Israel has disclosed some of its losses, military censorship has obscured the full extent of casualties, leaving many observers to question the true impact of the ongoing conflict. Al-Duwairi’s insights reflect a complex military landscape where Hezbollah’s longstanding preparations and geographical advantages continue to pose significant challenges to Israeli military operations.
