Al-Duwairi Warns Hezbollah of Potential Israeli Strike in Southern Lebanon
Military expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating tensions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are reportedly attempting to seize control of a strategic area pivotal to Hezbollah's defensive strategy. This region, crucial for maintaining Hezbollah's strategic depth, includes towns like Matla and Kfar Kila, which lie close to the Litani River—a vital geographical feature extending 170 kilometers across Lebanon.
Al-Duwairi elaborated on the Israeli military's objectives, indicating that their maneuvers aim to divide the area south of the Litani River from the Bekaa Valley. He emphasized that the defensive positions in this critical zone must be fortified to withstand potential Israeli advances. Reports from Al Jazeera correspondents indicate ongoing Israeli artillery shelling targeting towns such as Khiam and Kfar Kila, heightening the urgency of the situation.
If Israeli forces succeed in their operations, Al-Duwairi warns that Hezbollah's Nasr and Aziz forces could find themselves in a precarious position, compelled to fight on an
inverted front,
as the Israeli army would approach from behind. He anticipates that the Israeli military will deploy significant resources, including armored units, to bolster their offensive.
The military expert also noted that the current skirmishes in southern Lebanon are the culmination of nearly two decades of strategic preparation aimed at thwarting Israeli objectives, particularly given the stark power disparity between the two sides. Hezbollah has developed a robust defensive network, utilizing the region's topography to create fortifications, tunnels, and ambush sites.
In this ongoing conflict, Al-Duwairi predicts an intensification of firepower from the Israeli army as they face increasing casualties. He characterized the current death toll among Israeli forces as
logical and realistic,
given the nature of the confrontations. The military expert refrained from drawing parallels between the battles in Gaza and those in southern Lebanon, citing significant differences in terrain and geography.
As tensions mount, Hezbollah has reported casualties on the Israeli side, claiming that 17 enemy officers and soldiers have died in recent clashes, while the Israeli army confirmed the death of a captain in the 202nd Battalion amid these ongoing confrontations.
