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Independent Thinking

Why is Israel striking Hezbollah now?

Sep 27, 2024
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, joins Lina Khatib and Yossi Mekelberg, both associate fellows at Chatham House, to delve into Israel's recent military escalation against Hezbollah. They discuss the political and historical context behind these strikes, examining the psychological toll on both soldiers and the Lebanese population. The impact on Hezbollah's morale is analyzed, alongside broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the overall dynamics of the Middle East conflict.
36:15

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Quick takeaways

  • Israel's escalated strikes on Hezbollah are driven by internal political calculations and the perception of Hezbollah as a persistent threat amidst ongoing regional tensions.
  • The complex dynamics of Hezbollah's dual role as a military and political entity complicate Lebanon's governance and influence regional stability.

Deep dives

Escalation of Violence Between Israel and Hezbollah

The recent actions taken by Israel against Hezbollah mark a significant rise in hostilities, sparked by the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Israel has intensified its military campaign, executing airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut, which have resulted in substantial civilian casualties and mass displacement. Hezbollah has responded by firing rockets into northern Israel, further escalating the conflict. Experts discuss the implications of this new phase of violence, emphasizing that Israel's actions aim to decisively undermine Hezbollah’s long-term capabilities.

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