Hezbollah on the brink after Israeli airstrikes

The article from National Review provides a critical analysis of the current military and political situation involving Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing the implications of Israel's recent airstrikes targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the broader conflict that has escalated since the October 7 massacre.

The article asserts that Israel's airstrike on Nasrallah's headquarters marks a significant and potentially decisive moment in the conflict. It highlights the effectiveness of Israel’s military response, which has reportedly neutralized hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and high-ranking operatives since the commencement of targeted operations on September 17.

The author argues that Hezbollah is currently disoriented and weakened, suggesting that the group may struggle to launch a counteroffensive. This disarray is attributed to Israel's systematic dismantling of Hezbollah's operational capabilities, including its command-and-control infrastructure, which raises questions about the organization’s ability to maintain its military activities.

The article critiques the stance of Western democracies, particularly the US under the Biden administration, for advocating a cease-fire. It argues that such a move would primarily benefit Hezbollah by allowing it time to regroup and recover from the substantial losses it has incurred. The author posits that Israel’s ongoing military campaign is not just a national issue but one that affects Western interests, especially given Hezbollah's history of attacks against US forces.

The piece emphasizes Israel’s strategic goals in the conflict, including restoring deterrence against Iran and preventing Hezbollah from resuming its operations. The author questions the logic behind a cease-fire that would allow Hezbollah to survive and potentially rearm, contrasting it with Israel’s need to maintain its military advantage.

The article reflects frustration with the Biden administration’s reluctance to fully support Israel in its military efforts against Hezbollah. It suggests that the US should share intelligence and align more closely with Israeli objectives, especially given Hezbollah's designation as a terrorist organization responsible for American casualties.

Overall, the article from National Review argues that Israel is currently in a strong position and should capitalize on its advantages rather than acquiescing to calls for a cease-fire that would benefit Hezbollah. The analysis portrays the conflict as one that not only impacts Israeli national security but also poses broader implications for US interests and Western stability in the region. The author underscores the complexity of the situation, advocating for a decisive Israeli approach that does not compromise on the threat posed by Hezbollah and its Iranian affiliations.