Skip to main content

Intel: Why Israel thinks its attack on Hezbollah won’t lead to new war with Lebanon

Israeli soldiers guard near the border with Lebanon, in the town of Metulla, northern Israel December 4, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC18C9CDD2A0

The Israeli military launched an operation Monday night to destroy Hezbollah tunnels from Lebanon into Israel, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.

Why it matters: The last Lebanon war in 2006 was similarly sparked by a confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed Shiite militia on the border. Since then, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has touted plans to take over parts of Galilee in northern Israel in a future conflict. The Israeli military for its part says it has long been aware that Hezbollah has been building attack tunnels stretching from Lebanon into Israel at several points along the border.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.