Sat Sep 28 18:59:35 UTC 2024: ## Israel’s Offensive Against Hezbollah Leaves Iran on the Defensive, Experts Say

**[City, State] -** The recent death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Israel’s subsequent offensive against the group has left Iran, Hezbollah’s primary sponsor, on the defensive, according to Middle East Forum Chief Editor Jim Hanson. In an interview with FOX News on Saturday, September 28, 2024, Hanson argued that the events could signal the end of Iran’s strategy of using proxies to destabilize the region.

“The idea that Iran can use their proxies to do this has been disproven,” said Hanson. “They’ve seen a little more than they wanted, and I don’t think they can internally stand to go ahead and start a regional war.”

Hanson pointed to the significant damage inflicted on Hezbollah, including the elimination of its leadership, and the fact that Iranian resupply efforts have been thwarted by Israel. He believes that Iran is now focused on saving face and avoiding a wider conflict.

“They are probably wondering whether Israel knows the grid coordinates to their deepest bunker,” said Hanson. “I think they will do what they have to do to save face. I don’t think they want a piece of this.”

Hanson’s assessment reflects a growing consensus among experts that Iran’s strategy has backfired. Instead of provoking a regional war, Israel has taken the initiative, significantly weakening Hezbollah and Hamas, and gaining the upper hand in the conflict.

The success of Israel’s military operations has boosted the standing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu domestically. Hanson believes that the events have shown that Israel is a strong and capable military force, capable of defending itself against its enemies.

Looking ahead, Hanson believes that the international community should step in to enforce the UN resolution that restricts Hezbollah’s presence within 20 miles of the Israeli border. He believes that this would help to prevent a wider conflict and allow displaced Israelis to return home.

“I think this might be the place where the international community… needs to actually do the right thing,” said Hanson. “Let’s not turn this into a regional war.”

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