Israeli Military Tactics in Southern Lebanon: A Failed Strategy
Brigadier General Hassan Jouni, a military and strategic expert, has provided insights into the ongoing challenges faced by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon. Despite attempts to develop new tactics, the Israeli forces have struggled to effectively confront Hezbollah's resistance. Recent military engagements have highlighted a series of tactical shifts by the Israeli army, yet these efforts have not yielded the desired outcomes.
Jouni noted that Hezbollah successfully thwarted two infiltration attempts by Israeli soldiers in the town of Ramyeh, leading to significant Israeli casualties, with reports indicating around 20 soldiers injured during these confrontations. The Israeli military's tactical evolution, which includes moving from 'reconnaissance by fire' to aggressive maneuvers aimed at breaching key positions, reflects a strategic determination to gain ground. However, these changes have not translated into success on the battlefield.
The expert elaborated on the Israeli army's shift from targeting Hezbollah's strongholds directly to employing an 'encircling attack' strategy. This involves advancing alongside Hezbollah forces to launch attacks from unexpected angles, with the ultimate goal of occupying strategic heights near the border. Despite these adaptations, Jouni emphasized the persistent failure of Israeli forces to locate Hezbollah fighters, who are effectively utilizing tactics that involve explosive devices followed by immediate clashes, thereby neutralizing Israeli advances.
The situation has escalated since September 23, with Israel expanding its military operations from the Gaza Strip to southern Lebanon and Beirut. This has resulted in devastating consequences, including over 1,437 deaths and more than 4,123 injuries, with a significant number of women and children among the casualties. The ongoing conflict has also led to an alarming displacement crisis, with more than 1.34 million people forced to flee their homes, according to official Lebanese reports.
