Israel's Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon: Analysis by Military Expert
Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi has provided insights into the recent expansion of Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon. He attributes this escalation to Israel's strategic aim of controlling the tactical highlands and entering what he terms 'killing zones' closer to ground maneuver areas. According to Al-Duwairi, five Israeli military divisions are currently involved in the operations, although their actual penetration has been limited to approximately 1.5 kilometers.
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has approved this expansion, with military officials stating that any future agreements regarding Lebanon would lead to a re-adjustment of the army's positioning. Al-Duwairi noted that the battles are confined to narrow areas, restricting the deployment of the full force of the five military divisions, which typically comprise over 10,000 soldiers each.
The military expert emphasized that the Israeli forces remain predominantly south of the Blue Line, a demarcation established by the United Nations in 2000, which is crucial for the development of ground operations. He highlighted the necessity for control over border villages to enhance operational momentum in the ongoing conflict, contrasting the challenging terrain of southern Lebanon with the more open landscape of the Gaza Strip, which allows for greater maneuverability of tanks.
Despite potential Israeli advances, Al-Duwairi warned that removing Hezbollah from the northern Litani River would not eliminate the threat of missile attacks on Israeli territories, as Hezbollah possesses missiles capable of reaching Tel Aviv from further afield. The Litani River, a significant geographical feature, runs close to the Lebanese-Israeli border, complicating military dynamics in the region.
