US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Israel has lost effective sovereignty in its northern quadrant due to the constant bombardment of projectiles by Hezbollah, which has led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis. Blinken emphasized during an on-stage interview at the Brookings Institution that Israel does not seek war with Lebanon, but is willing to engage in one if necessary to protect its interests.
Blinken believes Hezbollah does not want a war, nor does Lebanon, as it would be the primary victim. He also stated that Iran prefers to keep Hezbollah for a scenario in which it has a direct conflict with Israel, thus avoiding a war.
The Biden administration has reportedly proposed mediatory efforts, including a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strategic Har Dov region. This area, partially within Israeli territory, provides a commanding view of Israel’s entire northern region. Hezbollah has recently established tents in the region, attempting to encroach on the territory and push Israel back from defending its own border region.
Ironically, Hezbollah’s presence in the area violates United Nations Security Council Resolution 1707 of 2006, which bars the group from occupying Lebanon south of the Litani River, several kilometers north. Some Israeli military experts believe that in any war with Hezbollah, Israel would need to take over southern Lebanon, up to the Litani, to maintain control. The river serves as a natural boundary, with the current border placing Lebanon in possession of much of the high ground along the border and Israeli communities at lower elevations in the mountainous region.
