What is Hezbollah and why is Israel attacking Lebanon?

Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. It was founded in the 1980s with the aim of resisting the Israeli occupation of South Lebanon. Over the years, Hezbollah has grown in strength and influence, becoming a significant player in Lebanese politics and society.

Israel has targeted Lebanon multiple times over the years, citing Hezbollah’s presence as a primary reason for their military actions. Hezbollah has been accused of launching numerous attacks against Israeli targets, including cross-border raids and rocket attacks.

The latest escalation in tensions between Israel and Lebanon came in August 2021, when Israel conducted airstrikes on targets in Lebanon in response to rocket attacks from Hezbollah. The two sides have a long history of conflict, with both parties accusing each other of aggression and violations of international law.

Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war and its close ties with Iran have also been major points of contention for Israel, leading to further hostility between the two countries.

The situation in Lebanon remains precarious, with the threat of further violence looming large. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to the cycle of violence between Israel and Lebanon.

It is important for both parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to find a lasting solution to their differences and prevent further bloodshed in the region.