Israel’s aerial attack on the northern Lebanese village of Aitou, which resulted in the death of 22 people, has raised concerns about the country’s motives and the potential for escalating sectarian tensions in Lebanon. Analysts believe that Israel’s targeting of Shia communities may be an attempt to isolate and punish Hezbollah’s support base. The attack on Aitou, a predominantly Christian town, has sparked fears of a return to the violent sectarian conflicts of Lebanon’s past. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, such as Nabatieh, suggests a strategy of psychological warfare by Israel to instill fear and provoke division among Lebanon’s various religious communities.
Experts warn that Israel’s actions could deepen fault lines in Lebanon, leading to civil strife as communities become increasingly cautious and wary of their neighbors. The displacement of thousands of people and the imposition of restrictions on where displaced individuals can reside have further fueled anxieties and suspicions among different sects. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threat of “destruction like Gaza” unless Lebanon acts to “save itself” from Hezbollah indicates a grander strategy of reshaping Lebanese politics to suit Israeli interests.
Despite claims of establishing buffer zones and limited operations, Israeli commentators believe that Israel’s intentions are murky and its military actions in Lebanon may be open-ended. The continuous bombing and targeting of civilian areas signify a desire to maintain control and dominance through force. As tensions rise and sectarian divisions deepen, the threat of prolonged conflict and instability looms large over Lebanon, with the specter of a return to the dark days of civil war haunting the country once again.
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