(Al Arabiya) Abdulrahman al-Rashed - The changed factor in the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon is Israel itself. The Oct. 7, 2023, attack changed Israel's deterrence concept to preventing the presence of potential threats in its immediate geographical vicinity. Israel considered that attack an existential threat, prompting a reconsideration of border coexistence with hostile groups. For this reason, it decided to eliminate Hamas, weaken Hizbullah, and prevent both organizations from threatening its existence. Israel has changed its policy from "mowing the grass" to "uprooting it." The agreement authorizes Israel to intervene and operate in Lebanon's airspace. It includes explicit conditions for monitoring border crossings and preventing rearmament. Israel has proven to be a devastating regional military power capable of waging and winning long and multiple wars. It surprised Hizbullah with its decisive superiority. It will be difficult for Hizbullah to return as a regional player threatening Israel under the current balance of power. The writer is chairman of Al Arabiya's editorial aboard and former editor-in-chief of Asharq al-Awsat.
2024-12-03 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive