A Lebanese Member of Parliament representing Hezbollah, Ihab Hamade, has stated that Israel is facing confusion in its strategic assessments due to multiple regional variables. These include the situation in Lebanon, the role of the resistance, and developments related to Iran following a recent 12-day conflict. Hamade emphasized that Israel views the resistance axis – encompassing Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran – as interconnected.
Responding to a question regarding the link between internal developments and protests in Iran and the escalating Israeli aggression against Lebanon and Hezbollah, Hamade stated his reluctance to delve into the Iranian situation, citing extensive media coverage. He noted that a direct 12-day war had already occurred, involving significant investment in global intelligence gathering within Iran over four decades, without achieving decisive objectives.
Hamade argued that the threats of war against Iran, particularly from the American administration, coupled with unanimous positions from the Iranian parliament, are making Israel more cautious in its calculations and responses, leading to a state of confusion in its current assessments.
Israeli Pressure Tactics
According to Hamade, the recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon are part of a military and political pressure campaign aimed at gaining advantages in ongoing negotiations. He asserted that these attacks have frequently targeted civilian areas and residential buildings.
He further stated that Israeli airstrikes continued even after the November 27, 2024, understanding, citing areas like the Mahmoudiya hills as having been subjected to hundreds of strikes. He also mentioned the targeting of civilian homes in Kfra and assassinations within civilian facilities, including a municipality building in Blida.
Israeli Ambitions
The Hezbollah MP claimed that Israel’s escalation seeks to pressure the support base of the resistance, as well as the Lebanese authorities and state, to push a negotiation track that secures on-the-ground gains for Israel. He believes that the Lebanese government’s accommodation of these pressures will only lead to increased Israeli demands and ambitions.
