Growing Concerns That Israel May Launch A Pre-Emptive Strike Against Hezbollah

A file photo of an Israeli Merkava tank near the border with Syria in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, 28 November 2016 (AFP)

Ari Heistein, National Interest: Is Israel Preparing to Strike Hezbollah?

Though a targeted strike has up-front costs, failing to act will likely exact an even greater price in the next conflict.

Likely as a response to the effective Israeli interdiction of convoys delivering high-quality arms from Iran to Hezbollah, Tehran and Hezbollah have decided to build the capability to produce advanced weapons in Lebanon rather than ship them there. The arms set for production reportedly include precise surface-to-surface missiles that can travel long distances and inflict significant damage on Israeli forces and infrastructure, thus crossing a red line set by Israel. The latter’s most preferable strategy is to halt Hezbollah’s production of advanced weaponry in Lebanon by means that do not unnecessarily risk provoking a war. The question that Israel now faces is how to proceed in a way that ensures its red line is enforced, while minimizing the risk for uncontrolled escalation.

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WNU Editor: Israel has been preparing for such a conflict for the past few months .... Israel To Hold Massive Military Drills Simulating A War With Hezbollah (September 4, 2017). As to what is my take on the possibility of An Israeli-Hezbollah war .... if there was ever a time for Israel to a lunch a major military strike .... it would be now. Hezbollah is focused on providing support to Syria/Ira/and Russia in ending the war in Syria .... their focus is not on Israel right now. But my money is on Israel doing nothing. A new war with Israel would only galvanize Arab opinion and divert attention away from the war in Syria .... a conflict that continues to bleed Hezbollah blood and treasure.