Geopolitics: Isreal wishes deeper into Lebanon in widening war campaign

The WSJ is reporting.

• Israel is expanding its ground operations in southern Lebanon, moving troops into villages farther from the border, raising concerns of a prolonged conflict.
• Six Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah fighters in one of the deadliest incidents since the operation began.
• Israel’s initial goal was to clear Hezbollah from the border and dismantle its infrastructure; hundreds of Hezbollah fighters have been killed, and stockpiles of advanced weapons have been seized.
• Israel has intensified airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s Beirut stronghold, targeting weapon stockpiles, including ballistic and land-to-sea missiles.
• Israel seeks assurances that it can enforce the cease-fire if Lebanese or U.N. forces fail, and aims to prevent Hezbollah from rearming.
• Lebanon and Hezbollah oppose Israel enforcing the cease-fire and suggested adding a fourth guarantor, likely the U.S.
• Some experts believe Israel should aim to fully dismantle Hezbollah, potentially requiring strikes on Iran to prevent reconstitution of Hezbollah’s forces.

U.S. efforts to broker a cease-fire are ongoing, with optimism for an agreement before President-elect Trump takes office, though challenges remain. The U.S.-brokered proposal would move Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, with Lebanese and U.N. forces preventing their return.

80% of Israelis believe the current security situation is unsafe for northern residents to return home.

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.