School of War Ep 163: School of War Goes to Israel—Lessons from a Savage Year
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Dec 10, 2024 Yishai Ben Zion, an Israeli officer with combat experience against Hezbollah, and Sarit Zehavi, a Lieutenant Colonel in the IDF reserves directing the Alma Center, share vital insights. They delve into Hezbollah's tactics, the complexities of ceasefire negotiations, and Israel's military strategies in response to persistent threats. Discussions also highlight the emotional toll on soldiers and local communities amidst ongoing conflict. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the precarious balance between military operations and civilian safety in Israel's northern front.
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Metula Under Attack
- Aaron MacLean visited Metula, Israel's northernmost community, observing firsthand the destruction from Hezbollah attacks.
- The town, surrounded by hostile Shia villages, suffered heavy damage, impacting residents and the local economy.
Disrupting Hezbollah's System
- Israeli officer Yishai Ben Zion notes a key difference between fighting Hamas and Hezbollah: Israel's pre-offensive strikes disrupted Hezbollah's organized fighting.
- Instead of facing coordinated battalions, the IDF encountered smaller, fragmented Hezbollah units, making the fight easier.
Hamas's Deception
- Hamas's initial success on October 7th stemmed from exploiting Israeli arrogance and a desire to avoid conflict in Gaza.
- A sophisticated deception involving worker permits lulled Israel into complacency, allowing Hamas to achieve surprise.