What is Hezbollah and why is Israel attacking Lebanon?

Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. It was founded in the 1980s as a response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and has since grown into a powerful force in Lebanese politics and society. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and several other countries due to its history of attacks against Israeli and Western targets.

Israel has launched attacks on Lebanon in the past, primarily targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure. The most recent escalation of tensions between Israel and Lebanon came in 2020, following a border dispute and a series of cross-border skirmishes.

Israel sees Hezbollah as a major threat to its security due to the group’s close ties to Iran and its ongoing support for armed resistance against Israel. Hezbollah, on the other hand, views itself as a legitimate resistance movement fighting against Israeli aggression and occupation.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is deeply rooted in the complex geopolitics of the Middle East, with historical grievances, religious divides, and regional power struggles all playing a role in the ongoing tension between the two sides.

While both Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in acts of violence and retaliation against each other, the civilian population of Lebanon often bears the brunt of the consequences. The cycle of violence between Israel and Hezbollah has led to widespread destruction and casualties in Lebanon, further destabilizing an already volatile region.

Efforts to de-escalate tensions and engage in diplomacy have been made by various international actors, but the underlying issues between Israel and Hezbollah remain unresolved. As long as these fundamental grievances and mistrust persist, the cycle of violence and conflict is likely to continue.

In order to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is needed. This includes addressing issues such as territorial disputes, the rights of Palestinian refugees, and the role of external actors in perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Ultimately, the resolution of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict will require both sides to make difficult compromises and engage in dialogue to find a sustainable path towards coexistence and peace.