What It’s About

Israeli lawmaker Gideon Sa’ar is urging for an immediate and decisive military campaign to dismantle Hezbollah, emphasizing that postponing such action increases the danger posed by the Iranian-backed militant group.

Why It Matters

Hezbollah represents a significant threat to Israeli security, particularly given the group’s increasing missile and drone capabilities. A preemptive strike would not only weaken Hezbollah but also protect the northern borders of Israel and ensure long-term stability.

Context

Sa’ar made his call shortly after the IDF conducted a preemptive strike in Lebanon, successfully disabling hundreds of Hezbollah missiles and drones aimed at Israel’s central and northern regions. In the aftermath, Hezbollah scaled back its threats but signaled possible future retaliation.

Key Points

Strategic Decisions

Sa’ar, in his remarks, noted that delaying military action against Hezbollah could lead to a situation where Israel is forced into a less favorable confrontation in the future. He advocates for an immediate operation to dismantle Hezbollah’s capabilities while Israel has the strategic advantage.

U.S. Angle

The Biden administration has been advocating for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing hostilities, proposing that a Gaza ceasefire deal could lead to a broader peace agreement that stabilizes northern Israel. However, Sa’ar asserts that relying on diplomacy alone may delay the inevitable confrontation, leaving Israel vulnerable.

Against Attrition

Sa’ar argued that continuing the ongoing war of attrition with Hezbollah is not sustainable. The group is better positioned to withstand prolonged conflict due to its integration within Lebanese society and its support from Iran.

Overall Threat Assessment

According to Sa’ar, Hezbollah presents a more immediate conventional military threat to Israel than Iran does, despite Iran’s looming nuclear capability and its ongoing regional militaristic activities.

Suggested Military Actions

Sa’ar suggests several tactical and strategic military interventions to combat both Hezbollah and Iranian influence:

• Engaging in military action to significantly harm Hezbollah before they acquire greater firepower.
• Conducting strategic strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure to cripple its funding of terrorist proxies.
• Operational focus on toppling the Iranian regime by internal or external means.

Preventing Future Threats

One key proposal by Sa’ar includes the establishment of a buffer zone along the Lebanese border to prevent further Hezbollah incursions similar to the attack on October 7. He cited the lack of such a zone on the Gaza border as a critical mistake that allowed for substantial security breaches.

Broader Palestinian Authority Issues

Sa’ar criticized ongoing efforts to reinstate the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, questioning its capability and loyalty, particularly given the PA’s historical difficulty in maintaining control and its issues with incitement against Israel in its educational systems.

What’s Next?

Despite the current administration’s lower public trust ratings, the urgency for military action remains high. Sa’ar called for national and opposition support in this endeavor, stressing that delaying actions could only bolster the strategic positions of Hezbollah and Iran.

This story was first published on jpost.com.