Why Israel Sees Lebanon's Military as Threatened by Hezbollah

The issue of Israel's security in the wake of Lebanon's military capabilities, in particular the Hezbollah proxy force, has long been a subject of discussion and concern. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant organization, possesses over 100,000 rockets and missiles, all aimed at Israeli territory. This arsenal, hidden in plain sight under civilian homes, poses significant threats, particularly to the safety and security of Israeli civilians, including children.

The Roots of Israel's Concern

Israel has faced similar security dilemmas with its Islamic neighbors for decades, each harboring a desire for its annihilation. This geopolitical landscape compels Israel to contend with threats from a wide array of fronts, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, along with the more distant threats from Iran and Turkey. Despite these daunting challenges, Israel has emerged as a formidable fighting machine, evolving to adapt to these multifaceted threats.

Hezbollah in Lebanon: The Primary Proxy Force

The Lebanese military, as such, plays a lesser role in direct confrontation with Israel. Instead, Israel considers Hezbollah the primary threat due to its extensive and well-armed proxy war. Hezbollah, which effectively controls the Lebanese military, has allowed Iranian elements to conduct war against Israel, shattering the facade of Lebanon as a neutral actor. Israel is not intimidated by Hezbollah, primarily because it operates under the shadow of international law, yet this proxy sends a clear message: any attack against Israel is an attack on Lebanon.

The Lebanese Military vs. Hezbollah

It is crucial to highlight that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are separate from Hezbollah. The LAF, while officially recognized as Lebanon's military, lacks the resources and autonomy to challenge Israeli interests. On the other hand, Hezbollah, which is funded, trained, and armed by Iran, poses an existential threat to Israel. The Iranian-backed group has repeatedly defied international law and rejected UN Resolution 1701, which mandates the disarmament and integration of Hezbollah's military into the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The Context and Concerns

The Lebanese military's inability to curb Hezbollah's activities exacerbates Israel's concerns. For instance, a single Hezbollah rocket fired towards Israel would be seen as a direct threat from Lebanon, given the organization's deep integration within the country. This complex geopolitical environment, influenced heavily by Iranian meddling, makes it challenging for Israel to resolve these threats through conventional military means alone.

Therefore, the question of Israel's claims regarding threats from Lebanon's military is best understood within the broader context of Hezbollah's activities and Iran's influence in Lebanon. These dynamics underscore the necessity for international cooperation and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region and ensure regional peace and security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Israel acknowledges the presence of multiple military forces in Lebanon, it is the Hezbollah-affiliated entities, particularly Iran, that pose the primary threat. The security concerns facing Israel are multifaceted, and addressing them requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach involving regional actors and international organizations.