Summary: Hezbollah has joined the conflict between Iran and Israel by attacking Israel, which is striking southern Lebanon and Beirut in response. This has drawn Lebanon into a wider regional war despite government warnings and a new ban on Hezbollah's military activities, which the group has ignored. The article questions the strategic value of Hezbollah's involvement for Iran and examines the potential cost for Lebanon.
Main Topics Covered:
1. Hezbollah's military involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict.
2. The Lebanese government's opposition and attempt to curb Hezbollah.
3. The impact and risks of the expanding war for Lebanon.
Why has Hezbollah joined Middle East war?
Hezbollah has been attacking Israel as it pummels southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut.
Lebanon is once again drawn into a war many of its leaders say is not their fight.
Against the government’s warnings, Hezbollah has joined Iran in its conflict with Israel. The armed group says it has a right to respond as part of what it calls a resistance campaign.
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However, this time, the Lebanese government has responded by deciding to ban Hezbollah’s military activities and demanding that it disarm. The group has not heeded that warning.
Now, as the war between the US, Israel and Iran widens to Lebanon, can Hezbollah’s involvement be of any real help to Tehran?
And what price will Lebanon pay as a result?
Presenter: James Bays
Guests:
Heiko Wimmen – Project director for Iraq, Syria and Lebanon at the International Crisis Group
Nimrod Novik – Member of the leadership of Commanders for Israel’s Security
Nabeel Khoury – Non-resident fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC