Israel divided over prolonging Lebanon war, analysts say

Israel is reportedly divided over prolonging the war on Lebanon following a month of heavy losses incurred by the occupation army during fighting with Hezbollah in the south of the country.

October 2024 was described as the “bloodiest month” for Israelis in the 13 months since Israel launched its air strikes on Gaza in October 2023. According to data monitored by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, 88 Israeli soldiers had been killed in Gaza and Lebanon and in other resistance operations inside Israel in October 2024.

Israeli military and political analysts agree that in light of these human losses; prolonging the war in Lebanon and the diminishing chance of a political settlement would only bring Israel into further trouble while the army would sink even further into the “Lebanese quagmire”, especially since Hezbollah has begun to regain its capabilities and prove its cohesion on the ground.

Analysts suggest that despite the heavy material and human losses incurred by Hezbollah including the assassination of its Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and many of the group’s senior military leaders, the resistance faction has managed to regain control on the ground and inflict heavy losses on the Israeli occupation army.

According to the Israeli readings, Hezbollah is preparing for a scenario of a long-term, inconclusive war; the scenario most feared by Israel which may be forced to end the ground invasion into Lebanon to avoid further human losses, but without ending the war.

Read: Red Cross launches ’emergency appeal’ for $92m to address humanitarian situation in Lebanon