Military expert Elias Hanna has emphasized that Israel's objectives in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah extend beyond merely pushing the militant group away from the Gaza Strip. Israel aims to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities altogether. He pointed out that the current geopolitical landscape is vastly different from that of the 2006 conflict, as Israel is unwilling to tolerate a strong Hezbollah presence that could challenge its military operations.
Hanna noted that Hezbollah operates under a strategy of 'winning without losing,' while Israel is engaging in a significant and costly military campaign. He remarked that the situation is largely influenced by the United States, which has demonstrated its capability to deter further escalation of the conflict, thereby preventing a broader war in the region.
Hezbollah is viewed as a pivotal player in the so-called 'unity of the arenas,' a concept that has yet to manifest following Israel's recent aggressive actions in southern Lebanon. The activation of this unity hinges on decisions made by Iran, which Hanna believes is currently cautious about entering a large-scale war due to the potential repercussions from Israel.
Hanna stated that Iran is focused on reaping the political benefits of its military investments in the region and is wary of actions that could jeopardize its gains. He foresees that both Hezbollah and Israel are continually redefining their red lines, but should Hezbollah inflict significant damage on Israel, a comprehensive war could ensue. He characterized the situation as a full-scale war that remains undeclared, marked by destruction and an Israeli effort to displace residents in southern Lebanon to weaken Hezbollah's position. The region is currently embroiled in a complex and dangerous geopolitical conflict.
