Why is Israel attacking Lebanon? What is Hezbollah really? The colonial war explained
Sep 25, 2024
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Ben Norton, an insightful analyst on colonial conflicts, discusses Israel's recent military actions against Lebanon. He explores the origins of Hezbollah, framing it as a local resistance movement birthed from Israeli oppression. Norton sheds light on Israeli ambitions for territorial expansion, linking them to historical colonial practices. He critiques U.S. complicity and deconstructs common narratives labeling Hezbollah as a terrorist group, highlighting its role in protecting minority communities in the face of extremist threats.
Israel's military aggression against Lebanon, supported by the U.S., raises serious concerns about potential war crimes and accountability.
Hezbollah's origins as a resistance movement challenge its portrayal as a terrorist organization, highlighting its role in defending Lebanese sovereignty.
Deep dives
Escalation of Violence in Lebanon
Israel's military actions against Lebanon have escalated significantly, particularly following severe attacks conducted in September that resulted in numerous civilian casualties. These initial strikes, characterized by the killing of innocents including children, prompted Israel's defense minister to declare a new phase of warfare, which led to further aerial bombardments and a reported death toll nearing 500 in just one day. This alarming spike in violence has drawn international scrutiny, with accusations leveled against Israeli officials for committing war crimes, including willful attacks against civilians and acts of extermination. The situation has raised global alarms, as calls for accountability grow amidst reports depicting Israel's military actions as part of a broader genocidal campaign in the region.
U.S. Support and Military Cooperation with Israel
The United States has maintained strong political and military support for Israel, despite ongoing accusations of human rights violations and war crimes. In reaffirming this commitment, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin engaged in discussions with Israeli officials, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself against alleged threats. These interactions occur in a context where Israel’s justification for its military actions against Lebanon and Gaza has come under intense scrutiny, as evidence suggests that Israel is the primary aggressor in the ongoing conflict. The dependency of Israel on U.S. military aid highlights a troubling alignment between Western powers and a regime accused of aggressive and violent tactics.
Misunderstandings Surrounding Hezbollah
Hezbollah is often mischaracterized in Western narratives, portrayed as a terrorist organization without acknowledging its role as a legitimate resistance movement advocating for the sovereignty of Lebanon. Established in response to Israeli military occupation, Hezbollah has evolved to consist of both a political faction and a military wing, engaging in efforts to combat militant groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. It is crucial to note that Hezbollah has forged alliances with various religious groups within Lebanon, thereby defying the extremist labels often attached to it in Western discourse. Contrary to the perception fostered by some political narratives, Hezbollah’s establishment and actions were largely a response to aggression and a defense of Lebanese territorial integrity against foreign interventions.
Israel is bombing Lebanon, with staunch US support. An Israeli minister vowed that "Lebanon will be annihilated". Ben Norton analyzes the colonial war, explains the origins of Hezbollah, and provides historical context.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoyuwuXFG2c
Topics
0:00 Israel is waging war on Lebanon
1:19 ICC accuses Israeli officials of crimes against humanity
2:41 USA facilitates Israel's crimes
4:16 Israeli education minister vows "Lebanon as we know it will not exist"
4:35 (Clip) Israeli minister: "Lebanon will be annihilated"
4:52 Israeli media calls for g*noc1de against Palestinians
5:27 Israeli minister boasts of new Nakba in Gaza
6:00 Israeli minister says Lebanon, Syria, Iraq are not sovereign states
8:34 Zionism & Israel: European colonialism in Palestine
10:22 (Clip) Netanyahu applauded in US Congress
10:43 Israel is the aggressor in Lebanon
11:56 Which countries call Hezbollah a "t3rr*rist" group?
13:44 Hezbollah's origins in Israeli occupation of Lebanon
16:29 Hezbollah's alliance with Christians & religious minorities
19:02 ISIS, Al-Qaeda, & Syria War
23:08 Israel, ISIS, & Al-Qaeda
26:02 Lebanon's sovereignty & territorial integrity
27:25 Outro
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