Joseph Daher, author of "Hezbollah: The Political Economy of Lebanon’s Party of God", said that Iran’s decision to once again launch a direct attack on Israeli soil – one that he said had had little impact on the country’s military capabilities – likely served more than one purpose.
“We have to understand this 'retaliation' from Iran in two aspects,” he said. “Firstly, as a way to reaffirm a form of deterrence against Israel and in response to the numerous attacks of Israel against Iran directly or against Iranian-related targets. And secondly, to maintain this connection in the so-called Axis of Resistance by acting in favour of Tehran's network of influence in the region – especially Hezbollah. Because there were rising criticisms among Hezbollah’s popular base, basically asking, ‘What is Iran doing against the rising attacks, against this escalation of violence against Lebanon?’. That said, this ‘retaliation’ will not stop Israeli war on Lebanon.”
Daher said that Israel’s increasingly violent attacks against Hezbollah and other members of the Iran-backed Axis of Resistance echoed US interests in curbing Tehran’s regional influence.
“This is happening with the direct collaboration and support of the US, and not only consent – the US has a direct interest as well to see a weakened Hezbollah, a weakened network linked to Iran and a weakened Iran as well,” he said.
“They’ve had the green light from the US for example for all their actions in Lebanon that have violated all possible red lines,” he added. “And most probably for Iran as well … You cannot say on one side you’re putting all your force behind a ceasefire while continuing to support Israel militarily, economically and politically in its various wars.”
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