Netanyahu's Strategy to Incite Lebanese Confrontation with Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent address aimed at the Lebanese population has drawn significant scrutiny from experts who believe it reflects his strategic failures against Hezbollah. According to Lebanese academic Dr. Ali Shukr, Netanyahu is attempting to incite the Lebanese to confront the Lebanese resistance instead of addressing the challenges posed by Hezbollah himself.
Shukr argues that Netanyahu's failure to capitalize on recent military actions against Hezbollah stems from Iran's response and the statements made by Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general, regarding the party's internal restructuring. The academic suggests that Netanyahu is reviving historical tactics used during Lebanon's civil war, aiming to create divisions among the Lebanese populace, fostering the belief that they must confront Hezbollah on his behalf, or face further destruction. However, Shukr believes this narrative will falter in the face of Lebanese unity and their collective rejection of aggression, regardless of political affiliations.
In light of Hezbollah's discussions about a ceasefire, Shukr notes that this stance is not unprecedented, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Hassan Nasrallah, linking it to a specific framework that Hezbollah continues to uphold. He highlights the logistical challenges faced by the party in providing aid, exacerbated by the sheer number of displaced individuals, which exceeds both Hezbollah's and the Lebanese state's capabilities, prompting Prime Minister Najib Mikati to seek international assistance.
The Dilemma of Hezbollah's Leadership
The delay in announcing a successor to Hassan Nasrallah reveals internal challenges within Hezbollah, particularly regarding the new leader's ability to fill Nasrallah's significant role both domestically and regionally. Shukr points out that Israel's assassination strategy complicates this transition.
Expert on Israeli affairs, Muhammad Halsa, reinforces the notion that Netanyahu's rhetoric is not novel but rather a consistent narrative aimed at dismantling Arab societies. Halsa criticizes Netanyahu for blaming Hezbollah for Lebanon's turmoil while simultaneously inflicting harm on the Lebanese people, citing military failures as evidence that the Lebanese populace is unlikely to support a confrontation with Hezbollah.
Netanyahu's mention of targeting Hassan Nasrallah and his successors is viewed as a tactic to project military success in the absence of tangible victories on the ground. Halsa emphasizes that the Israeli media's portrayal of the situation is misleading, focusing solely on perceived victories while neglecting the Israeli military's losses.
Tensions Between Netanyahu and the U.S.
The postponement of Defense Minister Yoav Galant's visit to Washington is indicative of the tensions between Netanyahu and the United States, particularly regarding strategies related to Iran. Halsa notes that Galant, seen as a U.S. ally within the current Israeli government, may be positioned to counter Netanyahu's unilateral actions concerning Tehran.
In conclusion, the political landscape in Lebanon and Israel remains fraught with complexities, as Netanyahu's attempts to shift the narrative and incite internal conflict face significant resistance from a united Lebanese front.
