What is Hezbollah and can anyone avert all-out war?
Sep 26, 2024
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Oliver Marsden, a journalist for The Times, and Rami Khouri, an expert in regional conflict, delve into the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. They discuss Hezbollah's origins and ideologies, and its dual role as a military and political entity in Lebanon. The conversation highlights the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Beirut and the mixed sentiments among the Lebanese regarding Hezbollah's actions. The urgent need for international diplomatic intervention is underscored, amidst fears of a wider conflict.
Hezbollah's escalating military involvement has heightened public anxiety in Lebanon about the risk of an all-out war with Israel.
The complex dynamics of Lebanese society reveal divided opinions on Hezbollah, reflecting historical traumas and current humanitarian crises.
Deep dives
Escalation of Violence in Lebanon
Lebanon is currently experiencing an unprecedented rise in violence, with events leading to the bloodiest day in decades resulting in numerous civilian casualties. An urgent warning issued by the UN Secretary-General highlights the seriousness of the situation, stating that Lebanon is on the brink of catastrophe. The Israeli military has been preparing for a potential ground invasion, intensifying airstrikes that have already caused substantial displacement among the population, with reports indicating tens of thousands fleeing to safer areas such as Beirut. As the conflict escalates, there are significant concerns regarding the humanitarian impact, including overwhelmed shelters and hospitals filled with injured individuals.
The Impact of Hezbollah on the Conflict
Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict has shifted dramatically, with their actions escalating significantly since the beginnings of the Israel-Gaza war in October. Initially viewed as a separate issue, Hezbollah has now directly engaged in military operations, reportedly supporting Hamas by drawing Israeli attention away from Gaza. This shift has instigated a sense of panic within Lebanon, greatly influencing the public’s perception of the group as well as their overall anxiety about the potential for an all-out war. The fear surrounding Hezbollah's aggressive strategy has resulted in further instability within the diverse Lebanese community, highlighting the divided opinions on the group's role and its implications.
Public Sentiment Towards Hezbollah and Israel
The complex relationship between Hezbollah and the varied religious communities in Lebanon has created a divided public opinion. While some segments view Hezbollah as a necessary defense against Israeli aggressions, others express resentment towards its military actions leading to broader conflict that affects all Lebanese citizens. Historical context underlines these sentiments, as previous wars, such as in 2006, left deep scars and varied reactions towards Hezbollah based on their military engagements. Current economic struggles and a collapsed infrastructure further exacerbate public frustrations, with many citizens feeling that they are trapped in a situation not of their making, intensifying their anger toward Israel amidst the ongoing violence.
As fighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah, who is the Iranian-backed group and could this new conflict break out into a wider, regional war?
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Guests:
Oliver Marsden, journalist, The Times.
Rami Khouri, journalist.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: ITN, CBS, 13News Now, TMJ4 News, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, PBS, AP.