Escalating Conflict: Israel's Military Strategy Shift Against Hezbollah in Lebanon
Military and strategic expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi has highlighted a significant change in Israel's military approach towards Hezbollah in Lebanon amid ongoing hostilities. In a recent analysis, Al-Duwairi noted that the intensive Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals and injuries to around 300. This strategy appears to be part of a broader plan by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at undermining Hezbollah's resolve and compelling the group to cease its military activities.
Al-Duwairi pointed out a notable shift in Israeli targeting tactics, moving from attacks on natural terrains believed to harbor Hezbollah fighters to strikes on urban areas, including towns and residential neighborhoods. He interpreted this as an effort to pressure Hezbollah into halting its resistance operations.
In the context of these developments, Al-Duwairi emphasized Israel's stated objective of facilitating the return of displaced Israeli citizens to their homes along the border. However, he questioned the feasibility of this goal, suggesting that it would necessitate the implementation of Resolution 1701, which calls for Hezbollah's withdrawal beyond the Litani River and a cessation of rocket fire.
On the other hand, Hezbollah has maintained its stance on preserving the deterrence balance established since October 7, continuing to support Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict. Al-Duwairi indicated that Hezbollah's military capabilities remain robust, estimating that the group possesses between 100,000 and 200,000 missiles of various types, alongside a semi-open supply line enhancing its operational strength.
The Humanitarian Impact of Israeli Military Operations
As the conflict escalates, the Israeli army has issued urgent evacuation orders to residents of southern Lebanon, warning of imminent attacks. This strategy mirrors the tactics employed in Gaza, where similar evacuation orders have been commonplace since the outbreak of hostilities nearly a year ago. Israeli airstrikes have focused on southern Lebanon, hitting over 300 targets in a single morning, as part of a broader military campaign against Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has employed various communication channels, including social media and direct phone calls, to disseminate evacuation warnings to Lebanese citizens. These messages have been described by Lebanese officials, including Minister of Information Ziad T. Makary, as a form of psychological warfare aimed at instilling fear among the population.
Tensions have surged following a series of attacks that have left dozens dead and many more injured in Lebanon. Recent operations attributed to Israeli intelligence have targeted Hezbollah's communication infrastructure, while airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties, including the death of a senior Hezbollah commander.
As both sides brace for further escalation, the risk of a broader conflict looms, with Hezbollah pledging retaliation for the recent Israeli strikes. The ongoing violence raises urgent questions about the humanitarian implications for civilians caught in the crossfire, as international humanitarian law prohibits forced evacuations and the targeting of civilian populations in armed conflict.
