Ben Hubbard, the Istanbul bureau chief for The New York Times and an expert on Hezbollah and the Israeli-Lebanese conflict, delivers critical insights on the recent surge of violence in Lebanon, marked by deadly Israeli airstrikes. He traces the historical roots of the Israel-Hezbollah rivalry and discusses Hezbollah's growing influence in the region, especially in light of its alliance with Iran. Hubbard also explores the shifting sentiments in Lebanon against Hezbollah amid ongoing socio-economic turmoil and analyzes the group's strategic responses following the recent Hamas attacks.
The recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 600 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced, escalating civilian panic.
Hezbollah's declining influence in Lebanon, attributed to national protests and its involvement in regional conflicts, complicates its role in the current hostilities.
Deep dives
Escalation of Conflict Between Israel and Hezbollah
The recent escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been marked by a series of intense military strikes, resulting in a significant rise in civilian casualties and widespread panic in Lebanon. Following the Israeli military's initial attacks utilizing detonation devices, a rapid succession of airstrikes targeted areas of Lebanon, particularly the capital, Beirut, leading to over 600 reported deaths and thousands displaced. This conflict, previously confined to skirmishes along the borders, has now spiraled into what appears to be a larger potential war, directly impacting innocent Lebanese civilians caught in the crossfire. This shift has drawn concerns about the prospect of an all-out war, reinforcing fears among local populations as the death toll mounts.
Background of the Hezbollah-Israel Conflict
The roots of the Hezbollah-Israel conflict can be traced back to Israel's invasion of Lebanon in the 1980s, aiming to eliminate militant threats across its northern border. The subsequent emergence of Hezbollah as a resistance movement, backed by Iran, transformed the group into a significant military force that successfully expelled Israeli troops by 2000. Over the years, Hezbollah's activities have expanded beyond resisting Israeli incursions, as they evolved into a powerful political and military entity within Lebanon, increasingly respected across the region following their perceived victory against Israel in the 2006 war. However, their recent involvement in Syria and other regional conflicts has complicated their image and strained relations with other Arab nations.
Changes in Hezbollah's Regional Standing
Hezbollah's current position reflects a marked decline in its influence and popularity, both domestically and within the broader Arab region. Following widespread protests in Lebanon, many citizens see the organization as complicit in the nation’s political corruption and economic collapse, diminishing their once-heroic stature as defenders against Israeli aggression. During the recent conflict, while they have expressed defiance and continued attacks on Israeli targets, the group's ability to mount a significant military response appears limited. The changing dynamics and perceptions surrounding Hezbollah may suggest a potential shift in power that could impact the ongoing hostilities and future engagements in the region.
In the past few days, Israel has waged intense air raids in Lebanon, killing more than 600 people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Ben Hubbard, the Istanbul bureau chief for The Times, explains the origins of the spiraling conflict between Israel and its regional adversary Hezbollah.
Guest: Ben Hubbard, the Istanbul bureau chief for The New York Times.
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