Assassination of Key Hezbollah Commanders
The recent assassination of Abu Naamah Nasr, the commander of Hezbollah's 'Aziz' unit, marks a significant blow to the organization's chain of command. This follows the earlier killings of Taleb Sami Abdullah and other senior commanders. These targeted killings showcase Israel's high intelligence and operational capabilities. However, these actions do not alter the strategic balance of power between Israel and Hezbollah.
Ongoing War of Attrition in the North
Since October 8, a war of attrition has been unfolding in northern Israel, with both sides exchanging blows. Despite the apparent balance of deterrence, Israel prefers to end this conflict through a settlement to avoid an all-out war that could involve Iran and its proxy organizations. The Israeli Defense Minister has emphasized that an Israeli attack on Lebanese soil would significantly damage Lebanon's infrastructure and Hezbollah's combat capabilities.
Strategic Decisions for Israel's Future
Israel faces a critical decision: whether to continue with a low-intensity conflict or initiate a large-scale offensive against Hezbollah. The current model of attrition increases the risk of a full-scale war, which could be triggered by a rocket strike or an initiated attack by Hezbollah. Brigadier General (Res.) Danny Van Biren and other military experts argue that Israel must adopt a decisive approach, including a massive attack on Hezbollah and a deep maneuver into Lebanese territory. This would neutralize Hezbollah's rocket array and ground forces, ultimately leading to a strategic victory for Israel.
