Hezbollah Claims Victory Over Israel: Ceasefire Masks Deeper Conflict

Hezbollah Claims Victory Over Israel: Ceasefire Masks Deeper Conflict

In a surprising turn of events, Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, marking a temporary halt to hostilities between the two adversaries. According to Hisham Jaber, director of the Center for Middle East Studies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was forced to accept the ceasefire due to mounting public and military pressure.

"The ceasefire was not a favorable decision for Netanyahu, but he accepted it under pressure," Jaber stated. "The Israeli military leadership made it clear that the ground operation had failed, resulting in significant losses."

Hezbollah, on the other hand, claims victory over Israel, boasting of its ability to thwart hostile plans and defeat the Israeli army. In an official statement, the movement detailed the Israeli army's casualties since the start of the ground operation in Lebanon on October 1, 2024:

- 130+ soldiers and officers killed, 1,250+ wounded

- 59 Merkava tanks, 11 military bulldozers, 2 Hummers, 2 armored vehicles, and 2 personnel carriers destroyed

- 6 Hermes 450 drones, 2 Hermes 900 drones, and a quadcopter downed

Despite the ceasefire, experts warn that the conflict is far from over. Hezbollah seeks to deplete the Israeli army and restore deterrence in the region. The movement's leadership has prepared over 300 defensive lines south of the Litani River, with resistance fighters poised to repel any possible Israeli attacks.

Jaber notes that Hezbollah's ally, Iran, supported the movement's decision to accept the ceasefire, aiming to protect Lebanon from further destruction. The expert emphasizes that the adopted ceasefire does not meet Hezbollah's goals, but serves as a strategic pause.

As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely, aware that the fragile ceasefire may be short-lived. The conflict's underlying dynamics suggest a more profound struggle, with regional implications.