Israel has stepped up its attacks on areas in Lebanon with a significant presence of Shiite Muslims and the Hezbollah group, according to international analyst Lourival Sant’Anna. He detailed the most affected areas and the strategic implications of these attacks.
The Beqaa Valley, located on the border with Syria, has been a prime target. “In addition to having a very large Shiite population, it is a training ground for Hezbollah,” Sant’Anna explained.
The region is also home to a sizeable community of Brazilians, including even mayors in some small towns.
Strategic attacks and population exodus
In addition to the Beqaa Valley, other areas with a strong Shiite and Hezbollah presence, such as southern Lebanon and the cities of Tyre and Sidon, have also been frequent targets.
Lourival stressed that Israel is targeting places where Hezbollah mixes with the Shiite civilian population, a tactic the group uses strategically.
“The buildings are mixed-use. There are Hezbollah commanders there, ammunition is stored there and civilians live there,” the analyst explained.
This situation complicates military operations and increases the risk of civilian casualties.
The analyst also highlighted the ongoing population exodus, with many people fleeing conflict areas towards the north of the country.
“This road that leaves Beirut has become a one-lane road, it has become a highway, with everyone fleeing by car, by bus, as they can get to the north,” he described.
Possible invasion and Hezbollah’s ability to resist
Regarding the possibility of an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, Lourival warned that the current situation is different from that of 2006, when there was a similar conflict.
“Hezbollah is much stronger today than it was back then,” he said, explaining that the group had gained significant experience during the war in Syria.
The analyst concluded that in the event of an Israeli incursion, Hezbollah would be able to wage a robust guerrilla war, potentially resulting in high casualties on both sides.
This content was originally published in Analysis: Israel fires on regions with Shiite concentrations on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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