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Geopolitical Economy Report

Why is Israel attacking Lebanon? What is Hezbollah really? The colonial war explained

Sep 25, 2024
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.
28:05

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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