Israeli military has launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that have killed hundreds of Lebanese civilians and Hezbollah’s leader. The US, Israel’s ally, is calling for a ceasefire, but Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has supported Israel’s goals in Lebanon. There are questions about the US strategy in the region – whether it wants Israel to pursue a diplomatic solution or weaken Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has announced a ground operation in southern Lebanon targeting the militant group Hezbollah, following a week of deadly air strikes across the country. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Lebanese civilians and have also killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Calls for a ceasefire have been growing from Israel’s allies, including United States President Joe Biden. However, the US Defense Secretary has expressed support for Israel’s objectives in Lebanon, raising questions about the US strategy in the Middle East.
It is unclear whether the US is advocating for a diplomatic solution between Israel and Hezbollah or aiding in weakening the militant group. The situation has sparked discussions among experts about the best approach for the US to take in the region.
During a discussion on the topic, guests including Michael Wahid Hanna from the International Crisis Group, Ilan Baruch from the Policy Working Group, and Andreas Krieg from King’s College London analyzed the implications of the Israeli ground operation in Lebanon and the US’s stance on the situation. The conversation highlighted the complexity of the situation and the need for a strategic approach to achieve stability in the region.
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