Labeled as a terrorist, Hezbollah has fired robots from Lebanon almost daily for almost a year at Israel, which responded in kind. Tens of thousands have been forced to leave their homes near the border because of the violence.
Israel is now moving troops there in what has been interpreted as preparations to respond forcefully to the attacks. The country’s defense minister has said “a new phase” of the war has begun to allow residents to return to their homes, but a decision to join ground forces across the border has not been announced.
– This is something you don’t want to do, says Anders Ekholm and points out that Hezbollah and Iran also have an interest in avoiding an intense war on the ground.
Hezbollah has promised revenge against Israel for the coordinated explosions in Lebanon in recent days. On Friday, they fired about a hundred rockets at Israel, several of which were shot down according to the Israeli military.
During Friday, the Israeli military (IDF) carried out an air strike in Lebanon, which is said to be aimed at Hezbollah targets. High-ranking Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil is said to have died in the attack, according to Israel and two security sources in Lebanon.
Hear Lieutenant Colonel Anders Ekholm at the Norwegian Defense Academy about why both sides have an interest in avoiding a major conflict with ground forces in the video.