Wed Apr 09 15:32:36 UTC 2025: ## Israel’s Ongoing Attacks on Lebanon and Syria Fuel Regional Instability, Experts Say
**Beirut, Lebanon** – Israel’s continued military incursions into Lebanon and Syria are undermining efforts at stabilization and reconstruction in both countries, according to analysts and diplomats. These attacks, experts argue, are a deliberate strategy to maintain Israel’s regional dominance by keeping its neighbors weak and fragmented.
The near-daily bombings, often justified by Israel as targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, have violated ceasefire agreements and caused significant civilian casualties. In southern Lebanon, villages have been devastated, and Israel has refused to fully withdraw its forces as stipulated in the ceasefire. Experts like Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center warn that Israel shows “no limits” in its operations within Lebanon.
Syria, still recovering from a 14-year civil war, faces similar challenges. Despite the Syrian government’s stated commitment to peace and respect for the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement, Israel has launched repeated attacks on Syrian military infrastructure, expanding its incursions into Syrian territory. These attacks, according to Aron Lund of Century International, represent a calculated bet on Syria’s continued fragmentation, allowing Israel to exert greater influence in the region. Recent incidents in Deraa and al-Quneitra have resulted in civilian deaths, with reports of Israeli forces engaging in ground incursions and airstrikes in response to local resistance.
The lack of effective deterrence against Israeli aggression is a major concern. While Hezbollah’s arsenal may have once served as a deterrent, the recent war has significantly altered that dynamic. Experts suggest that the absence of meaningful international pressure allows Israel to pursue its destabilizing agenda with impunity.
The prevailing sentiment among analysts is one of pessimism. There’s a widely held belief that Israel is comfortable with a state of perpetual conflict, prioritizing military solutions over diplomatic ones. A Western diplomatic source, speaking anonymously, highlighted the Israeli government’s proficiency in warfare, contrasting it with a notable absence of demonstrated commitment to peace. The current situation points to a deep-seated cynicism within Israeli politics, driven by decades of militarism, creating a regional dynamic where instability serves Israeli interests.
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