Analysis: Israel seeks to isolate Gaza from Lebanon, but it’s easier said than done

In need to divert public discourse from freeing Israeli captives and the open-ended war on Gaza, a war on Lebanon was the ideal move for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

The escalation, which began with the explosion of pagers and radio devices across Lebanon last week, has, in this regard, been a success so far. 

The issue of the captives has been removed from the public agenda in Israel, although it is unclear how this escalation will contribute to their return - or that of the north’s residents back to their homes. Additionally, the military’s heavy bombardment of Lebanon has brought Netanyahu closer to the army. 

Israeli defence philosophy has been based on “deterrence” for decades. This was the philosophy behind Israel’s policy versus Hamas over the past 15 years: to hit the Palestinian movement hard every time it breaks the status quo, as determined by Israel. 

But this deterrence was severely undermined by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October, which saw Israeli defences fall to the Palestinian fighters within three hours. 

You can read Israeli journalist Meron Rapoport's full analysis piece for Middle East Eye below. 

Analysis: Israel seeks to isolate Gaza from Lebanon, but it’s easier said than done