Is Israel hoping to escalate hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon?
Al JazeeraIsrael’s PM Netanyahu may be trying to extend his country’s conflicts to maintain his hold on power, analysts argue. “Israel made it clear that once they are done with Gaza, they will turn their attention to the north,” Hilal Khashan, a professor of political science at the American University of Beirut, said. “ cannot withdraw before stopping the war on Gaza and agreeing on a comprehensive solution.” Israel is demanding that Hezbollah pull their forces back behind the Litani River, roughly 30km north of the border, but analysts said that seems unlikely to happen. “ if Hezbollah does not pull out, Israel will take action.” Mounting pressure on Netanyahu As the human toll continues to mount in what is now the war’s sixth month, pressure is mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Khashan said a scenario could unfold that involves Israel launching an intensified military operation on Lebanon post-Gaza that would eventually lead to a diplomatic solution, possibly including Hezbollah retreating from the border areas.