As Israel’s war of annihilation in Gaza continues, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems determined to involve the United States in a broader regional conflict. In recent weeks, Israel has escalated its military operations in Lebanon, targeting and killing several mid-level Hezbollah commanders in what appear to be deliberate assassination strikes. Additionally, Israel is believed to be responsible for a drone strike in a Beirut suburb that killed a senior Hamas official, Saleh al-Arouri. Hezbollah, a well-armed and organized Lebanese resistance movement with close ties to Iran, has retaliated by launching rockets into northern Israel and conducting its own drone strikes, including against a strategic Israeli military facility.
To shed light on these developments and explore the potential for a “great war” against Israel, this week’s episode of Intercepted features Amal Saad, a politics lecturer at Cardiff University and a Hezbollah scholar, and Karim Makdisi, an associate professor of international politics at the American University of Beirut. Hosted by Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain, the podcast delves into the role of Iran and its relationships with Hamas and Hezbollah. It also examines how President Joe Biden’s approach to the conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon compares to that of his predecessors.
The situation in the region is tense, with Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon heightening the risk of a wider war. By targeting Hezbollah commanders and conducting drone strikes, Israel is provoking a response from the Lebanese resistance movement. Hezbollah’s close ties to Iran further complicate matters, as any escalation could potentially draw Iran into the conflict. This raises concerns about the potential for a full-scale war involving multiple actors in the region.
The podcast guests provide valuable insights into the dynamics at play. Amal Saad, an expert on Hezbollah, offers her analysis on the group’s motivations and capabilities. Karim Makdisi contributes his expertise on international politics and provides context on the historical backdrop of the conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of the current situation and the potential consequences of Israel’s actions.
The discussion also touches on the role of the United States in the region. Historically, U.S. administrations have been staunch supporters of Israel, providing military aid and political backing. The podcast explores how President Biden’s approach to the conflicts differs from that of his predecessors. It raises important questions about U.S. involvement and the potential impact of American support on the region’s stability.
As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial to closely monitor the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, and the wider region. The potential for a “great war” looms large, with Israel’s actions and Hezbollah’s retaliatory strikes increasing the risk of a broader conflict. Understanding the motivations and dynamics of the various actors involved is essential for assessing the potential outcomes and working towards a peaceful resolution.
In conclusion, Israel’s war in Gaza has far-reaching implications, with the potential to ignite a wider regional conflict. The recent escalation of military operations in Lebanon and the targeted killings of Hezbollah commanders have heightened tensions. The Intercepted podcast provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics at play, including the role of Iran and the United States. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial to closely monitor developments and work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation and suffering in the region.