Israeli Military Operations: Analyzing the Ground Strategy Against Hezbollah
As tensions escalate in the region, Israeli experts and former military officials are divided on the effectiveness of a potential ground operation in southern Lebanon aimed at combating Hezbollah and severing its support for Hamas in Gaza. Major General (res.) Ran Kochav, a former commander of the Israeli air defense system, stated that while air strikes can damage Hezbollah's military capabilities, a decisive victory cannot be achieved solely from the air. He emphasized the need to potentially push Hezbollah's forces north of the Litani River.
Other military analysts, such as former ground forces commander Major General (res.) Guy Tzur, concurred that a successful operation would necessitate a deep ground incursion into Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Tzur noted that while ground forces could occupy strategic areas, the mission would be extensive and time-consuming.
Military affairs analyst Ron Ben-Yishai highlighted that capturing territory could serve as leverage in negotiations, although he acknowledged the prolonged nature of such an operation. Orna Mizrahi from the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies echoed these sentiments, indicating that a complex ground operation would be essential for defeating Hezbollah.
Conversely, former army planning chief Nimrod Sheffer expressed skepticism about whether a ground offensive would compel Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, to accept Israeli terms for ending the conflict. He questioned the effectiveness of solely relying on military might, suggesting that a more comprehensive approach is necessary.
Former army spokesman Ronen Manelis criticized the notion of a gradual escalation strategy, deeming it insufficient without a solid political framework. He argued that a successful separation of the Lebanese front from Gaza would require diplomatic efforts rather than military ones.
Amos Yadlin, ex-head of Military Intelligence, pointed out that Israel's actions on the northern front aim to diminish Hezbollah's influence and disrupt its connection with Hamas. He suggested that if Hezbollah is neutralized, it could create opportunities for a broader resolution to the conflict.
Eyal Hulata, former head of the National Security Council, cast doubt on the feasibility of separating the conflict zones at this juncture, indicating that any settlement would likely need to address issues such as prisoner exchanges.
Renewed Air Strikes Target Hezbollah Positions in Eastern Lebanon
In a related development, the Israeli military has intensified its air strikes in eastern Lebanon, focusing on areas such as Baalbek and the Al-Tal Al-Abyad district. The Lebanese state news agency reported multiple strikes targeting strategic locations, including a bridge in the Jezzine area, highlighting Israel's ongoing military operations against Hezbollah. These actions underscore the escalating conflict and the Israeli military's commitment to countering threats from Hezbollah as tensions continue to rise in the region.
