Israel continues strikes on Lebanon despite halting attacks on Iran
Israel continues strikes on Lebanon despite halting attacks on Iran Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a halt in fighting with Iran, but vowed to respond “with force” to future attacks. Isra…
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a halt in fighting with Iran but will continue operations against Hezbollah. This report comes from Al Jaz
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The escalation in Lebanon while tensions with Iran ease signals a strategic shift in Israel's regional deterrence calculus. By maintaining pressure on Hezbollah, Israel seeks to prevent the group from gaining a post-conflict advantage, even as it de-escalates direct confrontation with Tehran. This dual approach underscores Jerusalem's determination to weaken Iran's proxy network without triggering a broader regional war.
Background Context
Israel's strikes on Lebanon follow decades of low-intensity conflict with Hezbollah, punctuated by full-scale wars in 2006 and the ongoing shadow war since October 7. Lebanon's political and economic collapse has left the state unable to curb the group's military buildup, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to fund and arm its Lebanese ally. The current pause in direct strikes on Iran likely reflects pragmatic calculations to avoid overstretching military resources.
What Happens Next
Expect continued Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah command centers and weapons depots, with potential ground incursions if cross-border attacks escalate. Lebanon's fragile government may face renewed pressure to disarm the group, yet its impotence suggests further deterioration into de facto Hezbollah governance. Regional diplomats will likely intensify quiet negotiations to prevent a Lebanon-wide conflict, despite Israel's uncompromising stance.
Bigger Picture
This pattern reflects Israel's evolving doctrine of "campaigns between wars," where it preemptively disrupts enemy capabilities without committing to full-scale war. The regional calculus is increasingly shaped by Iran's deterred aggression, yet its proxies remain the primary flashpoints. As Israel balances deterrence with domestic political pressures, Lebanon serves as a critical testing ground for its long-term security strategy.
