How Hezbollah Established a Parallel Government in Lebanon

September 28, 2024 TruthUSA

Israel is emphasizing that the fight on its northern frontier is with a terror organization, not Lebanon.

News Analysis

If Israel engages in a ground war on its northern front, it will face Hezbollah, recognized as a terrorist group by the United States, which holds significant power in Lebanon. Hezbollah operates as a shadow state in Lebanon, making this opposition unique.

The international community is advocating for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, as outlined in a letter signed on Sept. 25 by several nations, including the United States, the European Union, and key European countries like France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

However, it is essential to note that the over 9,300 missiles fired at Israel in the past year did not come from Lebanon but were launched by Hezbollah. The conflict began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah supported Hamas during an invasion of Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted Hezbollah commanders, operatives, and sympathizers in their precise air, rocket, and artillery strikes. Notably, some of these individuals were found to have cruise missiles hidden in their homes.

The recent explosions of Hezbollah pagers and Israel’s subsequent actions have predominantly targeted Hezbollah leaders and officers, leading to thousands of simultaneous detonations. Although the IDF has not officially confirmed its involvement, these actions put Hezbollah’s significant power in the spotlight.

Hezbollah operates as a de facto government within Lebanon, providing various services in areas where Shiite Muslims reside. Despite some internal opposition to Hezbollah due to recent events, their stronghold in these regions remains strong.

The group has a strong presence in Lebanese politics and administration, further solidifying its role within the country.

Founded in 1982 in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, Hezbollah has since aligned itself with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Assad regime in Syria, aiming to eliminate Israel.

With a complex military structure and close ties to other countries, Hezbollah poses a significant challenge to Israel, as they are better-equipped and trained than previous adversaries like Hamas.

As discussions around a ceasefire heat up, Zahavi argues for Israel’s continued offensive against Hezbollah to achieve better negotiation terms and ensure national security.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the proposed ceasefire, citing concerns about Hezbollah regrouping and maintaining aggression against Israel.

Amid escalating tensions, Zahavi emphasizes the need for Israel to capitalize on its recent successes and press Hezbollah to the negotiation table for a more favorable outcome.

The international community’s calls for a ceasefire and enforcement of previous resolutions may fall short in addressing the complex challenges posed by Hezbollah.

For Zahavi, the time for action against Hezbollah is now, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for strategic decisions to ensure Israel’s security.

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