The attacks on Lebanon and Israel's actions against “Hezbollah“ were expected and even inevitable, despite the grave consequences and casualties. This was stated in “Face to Face“ by the diplomat and former ambassador of our country to the US - Elena Poptodorova.
According to her, Israel's goal remains clear - the complete incapacitation and destruction of “Hezbollah“. She adds that such a strategy also coincides with the personal interest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At the same time, however, the goals of the US do not fully coincide with those of Israel. Initially, Washington pursued a broader set of goals, including a change of power, limiting the nuclear and ballistic programs and ending support for terrorist organizations. However, priorities are now being rearranged.
According to Poptodorova, the most important goal for the US at the moment is to free up shipping in the Strait of Hormuz in order to avoid severe economic consequences on a global scale. This is precisely why the US military presence in the region remains significant, with no prospect of withdrawing forces.
She expects the announced ceasefire to be extended, but warns that it will be fragile and accompanied by constant sporadic military actions. According to her, strikes are already continuing on the territory of Lebanon, and Iran is giving signals that it will retaliate in other parts of the region.
“There will be a very strange ceasefire - fragile and dotted with military actions“, she points out.
The diplomat is also skeptical about the possibility of “Hezbollah“ being destroyed solely through military action. "They have penetrated the fabric of the state - they provide healthcare, education, food supplies. People's lives depend on them," Poptodorova explains.
According to her, this makes it impossible to quickly eliminate them, as there is no clear distinction between the military and political wings, as with other organizations in the past. In addition, the Lebanese authorities do not have enough strength and unity to cope on their own.