Israel will not completely defeat Hamas and Hezbollah, says former US ambassador

The former US Ambassador to Lebanon has said that the Israeli occupation regime will not be able to completely defeat Hamas and Hezbollah on the battlefield, warning that it may run the risk of falling into long-term conflicts.

“US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave the Israelis some good advice to say that that they have accomplished their main mission, which was eliminating the senior leadership of Hamas, effectively eliminating its ability to project force into Israel,” Ryan Crocker told CNN.

“This would be a great moment to declare an end to hostilities because otherwise this is going to grind on indefinitely. I don’t see an end to it other than a declaration by Israel that they have achieved their objectives, and it is time to cease hostilities. That is the only way to get the hostages back.”

The former ambassador warned the Israeli regime against repeating the mistakes that led to the emergence of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Previous military policies did nothing but strengthen Hezbollah’s power rather than eliminate it, he pointed out.

“Targeted actions against Hezbollah’s leadership were highly effective and I certainly shed no tears for their passing,” added Crocker. “They have enormous amounts of blood on their hands, including American blood. I was a survivor of the embassy bombing of 1983. And of course, just a few days ago, we marked the 41st anniversary of the marine barracks bombing.”

He also pointed out that the occupation state has radicalised the residents of southern Lebanon, warning that the current wave of military operations, which lack precision in nature, may radicalise a new generation of Lebanese.

“There’s an urgent need for a ceasefire, cessation of hostilities and an effort toward a more stable, if not formal peace,” said the ex-US diplomat. “At least some quiet insecurity for both sides of the border.”

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