Lebanon faces 'perfect storm of unpredictable challenges'

Lebanon is caught between the rock of Israel and the hard place of Iran, the sponsor of Hizbollah.

- Michael Jansen, Political Correspondent

Regional hegemon Israel enjoys the support of the US, the global superpower which rarely restrains Israel. It has a longstanding grudge against Hizbollah, which was founded in 1982 after Israel invaded and occupied LebanonWhile partnering the US in its expanding war on Iran, Israel has unilaterally opened a second front against Hizbollah in Lebanon. Israel has ordered the evacuation of east Beirut and expanded ground operations with the aim of seizing the region south of the Zahrani River. Tens of thousands of Lebanese have fled east Beirut, a Hizbollah stronghold. Israel's operation in the south could be the most serious offensive since 2006 and enable Israel to permanently occupy the area. A Lebanese source said this would give Israel potable water from Mount Hermon (Jebal Shaikh), onshore and offshore oil resources, and rich agricultural land where fruit and vegetables for local consumption and export are grown.

After the February 28th launch of the war on Iran, the Israeli army deployed three armoured and infantry divisions along the Lebanese border, enabling ground forces to conduct multiple incursions. Last Friday, Israel announced it is dispatching additional units to the border and mobilizing additional reserves to provide for the expanded ground operation. "The goal is to take over territory, push Hezbollah's forces north and away from the border, and dismantle its military positions and weapons depots in the [southern] villages," an Israeli official said.