Israeli Orders Spark Tensions in Baalbek, Lebanon
The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders to residents of Baalbek, Ain Bourday, and Douris in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, as part of a strategic initiative to exert population pressure in the region. Brigadier General Elias Hanna, a military and strategic expert, asserts that this move aims to incite friction among the Lebanese population, potentially leading to civil unrest. Baalbek, known as a stronghold of Hezbollah, is viewed as a critical area by the Israeli forces, which hope that increased tensions will serve their political objectives.
Impact on Local Communities and Heritage
Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khodr has urged residents to evacuate immediately to ensure their safety, highlighting that the targeted areas are densely populated. Recent airstrikes have already resulted in significant destruction, including damage to historical sites such as the Baalbek Citadel. The Israeli army's offensive in southern Lebanon has also led to extensive devastation, impacting residential buildings, shops, and health facilities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hezbollah's Response and Ongoing Conflict
In response to Israeli advances, Hezbollah has strategically refrained from engaging in close-quarters combat, deploying its Radwan force to counteract incursions into key areas. Brigadier General Hanna notes that the Israeli forces face challenges in maintaining control over areas they occupy, indicating a dynamic and ongoing conflict that continues to evolve amid the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.
