What is happening in southern Lebanon? Understanding the new military landscape
How far does Israel’s military presence extend, what strategy is driving it, and what is Israel seeking to achieve in the negotiations? A closer look at a military map that is rapidly being redrawn.
by Mounir RABIH · L'Orient TodayIn Lebanon, concerns remain that Israel could expand the war. Several signals have fueled these fears, including recent remarks by Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, vice president of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, reported by the pro-Hezbollah channel al-Manar. Khatib said U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa told him during a visit some time ago that if Hezbollah did not surrender its weapons, Israel could launch a ground offensive reaching as far as Beirut.Those concerns have been compounded by messages Israel has conveyed to Lebanon, both directly and through several channels. Israel says it is determined to see Hezbollah disarmed across all Lebanese territory. But beyond that pressure, it is the movements on the ground that are causing the greatest concern. The Israeli army is no longer simply holding the positions it occupies along the border. It...
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