Hezbollah
What is the nature of the relationship between Lebanon and Israel regarding the situation in southern Lebanon?
The relationship between Lebanon and Israel is characterized by persistent tensions. According to Rami Khoury, any Israeli attempt to assert control in southern Lebanon faces resistance, with Hezbollah having been the most effective force in driving Israelis out of the territory in the past. The situation is evolving in uncertain ways. These tensions manifest not only between the two countries but also internally in Lebanon, creating divisions between the Lebanese government, Hezbollah, and other forces. This complex dynamic will likely continue until there is a permanent and just resolution to the broader Israeli-Palestinian or Zionism-Arabism conflict.
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Al Jazeera English
12:39 - 13:17
What options do Hezbollah and the Lebanese government currently have in response to Israel's presence in southern Lebanon?
According to political analyst Ali Rizk, currently there is nothing that either the Lebanese government or Hezbollah can effectively do in response to Israel's presence. Rizk believes it's not in Hezbollah's interest to initiate another round of warfare, as the organization already sustained significant damage during the latest conflict. Despite not being completely defeated by Israel, Hezbollah suffered very heavy blows that have limited its immediate capabilities to respond militarily. This suggests a period of strategic restraint is likely as Hezbollah recovers from the recent hostilities.
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Al Jazeera English
05:03 - 05:27
What is the deficiency in Israel's military strategy?
Israel has a fundamental structural deficiency in its strategy - it actually doesn't have a coherent strategy. While Israel has military objectives, some attainable and some not, these aren't derived from political means or aligned with diplomatic goals. This disconnect between military actions and political objectives exists across all fronts: Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Without diplomatic objectives or goodwill, Israel's military successes may only result in Pyrrhic victories that produce little long-term value despite short-term psychological benefits for Israelis.
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Al Jazeera English
18:24 - 19:51
What significant event occurred in Lebanon despite the recent ceasefire?
On Monday, an Israeli drone strike in the port city of Sidon resulted in the death of a Hamas official. This attack is notable as it occurred after the November 27th ceasefire took effect, indicating continuing tensions in the region despite formal agreements to halt hostilities. This incident represents just one of multiple Israeli attacks that have been carried out since the ceasefire was implemented, highlighting the fragile nature of the peace arrangement in southern Lebanon.
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Al Jazeera English
01:11 - 01:21
How is Lebanon responding to Israeli military presence on its territory?
Lebanon has officially declared that any Israeli presence on its soil now constitutes an occupation. This significant statement comes after the deadline for complete Israeli withdrawal has passed without Israel fully complying. The Lebanese government is attempting to assert its sovereignty in response to continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. This declaration represents an escalation in diplomatic tensions, as Lebanon frames the Israeli presence not merely as a border dispute or military operation, but as an illegal occupation of sovereign territory.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:38
What actions is the Lebanese government taking regarding Israeli presence in southern Lebanon?
Lebanon's government is planning to approach the UN Security Council to demand an immediate Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which they consider an occupation. However, according to political analyst Ali Rizk, beyond this diplomatic initiative, there is effectively nothing that either the Lebanese government or Hezbollah can do at present to force Israel's withdrawal. This diplomatic strategy represents Lebanon's primary response to assert sovereignty, though its practical effectiveness appears limited given the current power dynamics in the region.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
Al Jazeera English
04:56 - 05:12