Explained: Will Iran Intervene In Israel-Hezbollah Conflict As IDF Prepares For Lebanon Ground Offensive?
Will Iran get sucked into the wider Israel-Hezbollah War when the IDF sends its troops to Lebanon to launch a ground attack on the hideouts of the banned Shiite outfit? Was it the main game plan of Hamas to drive Tehran into war with the Jewish state so that liberal President Masoud Pezeshkian’s plan of engaging with the US and signing a new treaty to come out of economic sanctions was sabotaged?
Full-Scale War In Lebanon Unfolding?
Though the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the international community Wednesday against "hell breaking out in Lebanon" and it being "on the brink," the Benjamin Netanyahu government has refused to keep restraint. Despite US President Joe Biden's apprehension of a "full-scale war" in Lebanon, and his emphasis on a diplomatic solution, Tel Aviv is getting ready to send its troops.
IDF Plans In Lebanon Revealed
If reports are to be believed, the Israeli military is making preparations to enter Lebanon through its southern border and move toward the Litany River, which flows about 18 miles from the border. The main objective of the IDF should be to take the Beqa Valley and southern Lebanon under its control and target Hezbollah's hideouts, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers, safe havens for terrorists, and terrorist infrastructure.
Hezbollah Retaliates
The Shiite militant organization responded by firing missiles targeting the headquarters of Israel’s intelligence service Mossad, however, it was intercepted and destroyed near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah has held the Mossad responsible for attacking its communication system by causing coordinated explosions in thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies last week, killing 40 people and injuring more than 3,000 people, mostly its militants.
Hamas’ Intention To Sabotage Abram Accord?
Political analysts believe the Hamas carried out the October 7 attack, killing more than 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 250 citizens hostage to make the Abram Accord irrelevant, taking the Palestine issue back to the world agenda, and stopping Iran from improving its ties with the US.
Iran’s Plans Of Improving Ties With US?
Observers believe that Hamas was upset over Iran’s plans to hold talks with Iran to improve ties, put its nuclear program on hold, and get the US and EU economic sanctions removed so that it could put its economy back on track and improve the living conditions of its masses.
Plans To Make Masoud Pezeshkian Fail?
Political observers believe that after liberal leader Masoud Pezeshkian was elected President of the Shiite nation and indicated to begin talks with Washington, Israel got upset with the prospect of the US-Iran bonhomie and planned to derail the process before it began.
Israel bombed Iran's embassy in the Syrian capital city of Damascus in April, killing, seven of its military advisers, including three senior commanders. It escalated Israel's war with its regional adversaries. Later, it also got Hamas Chief Ismael Haniyeh killed when he was in Tehran as a state guest of Iran.
If Tel Aviv sends its troops to Lebanon for a ground attack, it is natural that Hezbollah would face it, stop the attack and retaliate, which may lead to a full-fledged war. Hundreds, if not thousands, may be killed in the war that may erupt between the IDF and Hezbollah.
Will Tehran Join Israel-Hezbollah War?
Political analysts believe Tehran cannot sit idle if the war at the ground breaks out with the Shiite outfit it has been supporting, aiding and arming for decades as a bulwark to stop Israel’s aggression. Military observers believe all the missiles fired by the pro-Palestinian militant outfit were supplied by Tehran. Iran-supplied drones were sent to Israel. Besides, most of the ammunition used by Hezbollah had Iranian origin.
Those who keep an eye on the developments that are likely to unfold in the Middle East also believe that Tehran may openly support Hezbollah and send arms and ammunition openly. It may maintain the restraint on not sending its troops to Lebanon, but it is likely to dispatch its military experts to help the militants.
Will Muslim Ummah Consolidate Against Israel?
Political observers believe a full-fledged war in Lebanon may also have its political repercussions. Though US President Joe Biden has expressed concerns over the crisis, indicating Washington would not help the Jewish state, it would be difficult for him to resist the temptation of wooing the Jewish voters in the forthcoming Presidential Election.
Any US involvement in the potential Israel-Hezbollah ground war may also tempt other powers to fish in the troubled waters. A consolidation of Muslim nations in the name of saving ‘Ummah’ cannot be ruled out. It may lead to an all-out and wide-ranging war that may spread to the borders of many countries.
