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Israel Targeting Hizbullah Ahead of Possible Clash
(Ha'aretz) Yaniv Kubovich - The extensive attack carried out by the IDF in Lebanon on Friday was intended to undermine Hizbullah's capabilities, in preparation for its possible response to a strike on Iran. The attack stems from a change in Israeli perception since Oct. 7. The IDF sees the very existence of weapons in Hizbullah's hands, even without evidence of an intention to use them immediately, as justification for action. According to Israeli estimates, Hizbullah is in its most dire situation in years. It is having difficulty recruiting operatives, while facing growing criticism in Lebanon. It is also having difficulty paying its members and rebuilding civilian infrastructure in villages damaged in the last round of fighting with Israel. Senior Israeli defense officials note that in recent months the IDF has prepared operational plans for renewed fighting in Lebanon. Israel's goal would be Hizbullah's complete military defeat. The assessment in the IDF is that, in the event of a confrontation, the intelligence gathered on Hizbullah since the last war will allow for a more severe blow to the organization.