Israel’s Escalation of War with Iran

• The killing of Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, is a significant act by Israel since the West Asia war began on October 7, 2023.
• Hezbollah, under Nasrallah’s leadership, is seen as a powerful nonstate enemy by Israel and a key component in Iran’s “axis of resistance”.
• Israel’s actions have led to thousands killed and displaced, crossing Iran’s red lines, escalating the region’s proximity to an open war between Israel and Iran.
• Israel’s objective in the north is to enable over 60,000 people displaced by Hezbollah’s rockets to return to their homes.
• Israel’s strikes have weakened Hezbollah but not its missile capabilities, suggesting a potential ground offensive into Lebanon.
• Israel’s invasion of Gaza has not met its declared objectives of destroying Hamas and securing the release of hostages.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees the crisis as an opportunity to degrade its non-state rivals, potentially triggering an all-out war with Iran.
• Iran’s restraint in response to Israel’s rampage is questioned, and Tehran should not be given an excuse to start a wider war in West Asia.