Israel's Military Operations in Lebanon: An Overview
Military expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi has commented on Israel's recent assertions regarding the imminent conclusion of its military operations in Lebanon. He emphasized that such statements do not indicate that Israel has successfully achieved its objectives, particularly in terms of pushing Hezbollah back beyond the Litani River or establishing a secure buffer zone along the border. Al-Duwairi highlighted a contradiction between these claims and the remarks made by Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who recently called for an expansion of military operations, suggesting that Israel has not met its strategic goals.
Current Situation on the Ground
The conflict has led to widespread destruction in Lebanese towns bordering Israel, yet Hezbollah remains active in these areas, similar to the resistance seen in the heavily bombarded Gaza Strip. Al-Duwairi noted a recent decline in the intensity of confrontations, with Israeli forces reportedly withdrawing to the Blue Line, which may indicate a temporary mobilization pause. This pause typically occurs when military forces fail to achieve their objectives and need to reassess their strategy.
Future of Israeli Operations and Political Considerations
Despite reports from Israeli Channel 13 suggesting that the ground operations in southern Lebanon are nearing completion, the military is unlikely to officially declare an end without a political agreement in place. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority has indicated that while the operations have resulted in significant findings, such as the discovery of Hezbollah infrastructure and the destruction of weapon caches, thousands of troops are being demobilized for rest. Planning is also underway for a potential redeployment along the Lebanese border, reflecting the ongoing complexities of the situation.
