Mohamad Bazzi, director of the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies and a seasoned Middle East correspondent, joins to discuss the escalating conflict in Lebanon and Israel's recent military aggression. They delve into the tumultuous assassinations within Hezbollah, the implications of Gaza's leadership turmoil, and the increased civilian suffering in Lebanon. Bazzi also critiques U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration, questioning its effectiveness amid rising tensions and the potential shifts in Hezbollah's leadership.
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Quick takeaways
Israel's strategic military actions against Hezbollah, including high-profile assassinations, reflect a calculated approach aimed at regional dominance.
The U.S. administration's lack of intervention amidst escalating violence in Lebanon suggests a complicity that affects geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
Deep dives
Escalation of Conflict in Lebanon
Israel opened a new front against Hezbollah in Lebanon following a series of attacks, beginning with the detonation of explosives in Hezbollah members' equipment. The assassination of Hezbollah's leadership, including Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, marked a turning point in the conflict, followed by a significant Israeli invasion that resulted in thousands of civilian casualties. Over two thousand people have died in Lebanon, leading to mass displacement, with entire regions reduced to rubble. The violence sparked by these actions raises concerns about a broader regional conflict, particularly with Iran's involvement, as tensions escalate rapidly.
Netanyahu's Strategy and Internal Pressures
Prime Minister Netanyahu's strategy appears focused on eliminating the leadership of militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, aiming for what he calls a 'total victory.' The possible assassination of Hamas's political leader, Yahya Sinwar, could provide a boost to his domestic popularity, reinforcing his aggressive approach against militant factions. Despite internal and international pressures for a ceasefire, Netanyahu has maintained a hardline stance, suggesting that ongoing operations are essential for long-term success against these groups. The context suggests a political calculation to benefit his administration while avoiding negotiations that could lead to de-escalation.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon
The military actions led by Israel have resulted in severe humanitarian consequences for the Lebanese population, with reports detailing widespread bombings and significant civilian casualties, including the destruction of infrastructure. Families have fled affected areas, attempting to find safer locations, which reflects a larger strategy aimed at destabilizing the region. The historical context of such violence highlights the ongoing struggle within Lebanon, as many residents feel the impact of conflicts driven by external powers and internal divisions. This situation further complicates public sentiment towards Hezbollah, which struggles to balance resistance against Israel with the needs of Lebanese civilians.
U.S. Involvement and Geopolitical Implications
The United States' passive response to the escalating violence in Lebanon has raised concerns about its role and influence in the region, suggesting complicity in Israel's actions. Despite stated red lines regarding military engagement, the U.S. has not enforced restrictions on Israel's operations against Lebanon or Iran, indicating a lack of leverage. Observers note that this indicates a broader geopolitical strategy that seeks to reshape Middle Eastern alliances amid growing tensions. As the prospect of U.S. troop involvement unfolds, questions about the implications for American foreign policy and its response to ongoing conflicts in the region loom large.
In his third conversation looking at the crisis in the Middle East, Adam talks to Mohamad Bazzi about Israel’s expansion of its war into Lebanon and the recent assassinations of Yahya Sinwar and Hassan Nasrallah. They discuss the factors behind Israel’s unprecedented aggression and why, as in Gaza, it’s able to operate without restraint, not least from the Biden administration.
Mohamad Bazzi is director of the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies and a professor of journalism at New York University.
Read Adam Shatz on the death of Nasrallah in the latest LRB.