Image Credits: The Washington Post
Hezbollah’s ongoing conflict with Israel, which escalated following the group’s attack on October 8 of last year, has transitioned from a supportive role in Gaza to a more fundamental and existential struggle. This assessment comes from a “military source” cited by the pro-Syrian Lebanese news outlet Ad-Diyar on Friday. The source indicated that Hezbollah now views the conflict as a critical, life-or-death battle, recognizing Israel’s strategic shift of military focus from Gaza to the northern front of Lebanon.
This shift in focus was highlighted earlier this week by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who addressed the IDF’s 9th Brigade. Gallant noted that the strategic “center of gravity” is now shifting towards the northern border, with Israeli forces concluding operations in the south and preparing for further actions in the north. He emphasized that the IDF’s focus would be on restoring security and enabling residents to return to their homes, underscoring the seriousness of the northern front’s military importance.
In a related development, Maariv reported an interview with Col. Itzik Alfasi, commander of the 179th Armored Brigade. Alfasi revealed that his brigade, having gained experience from operations in Gaza, is now prepared for significant engagements in Lebanon. This preparation signals an imminent escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah, which has been intensifying cross-border clashes with Israeli troops.
According to the military source cited by Ad-Diyar, Israel’s goal in any potential confrontation with Hezbollah is to eliminate the Lebanese group entirely. However, the source expressed doubts about the IDF’s ability to achieve this objective, citing Hezbollah’s extensive military experience and resilience.
The source also provided insight into Hezbollah’s motivations for initiating the war last October, suggesting that the decision was driven by a strategic assessment of the Israeli government’s policies. The group believed that the government, which came to power in 2022, was pursuing a displacement agenda that would impact both Lebanese and Palestinian populations.
This evolving conflict underscores the high stakes involved for both sides, with Hezbollah’s actions reflecting a broader regional struggle and Israel’s strategic adjustments revealing the intensity of the ongoing battle.