IDF operation against Hezbollah won’t necessarily end when Iran campaign does – report

An Israeli campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon could continue beyond the end of the ongoing US-Israeli air campaign against Iran, the Financial Times reports, citing “people briefed on the discussions.”

The report echoes a similar report from last week in Reuters.

Israel’s aim is “to inflict enough damage [so] that there is not this constant fear of having to evacuate the northern residents,” says one the sources.

“The Israelis are preparing international players for the prospect that the war with Hezbollah could drag on and last longer than the war with Iran,” says an Arab diplomat, who adds that Israel has sent messages about the potential duration of the campaign to regional partners.

For now, IDF troops are primarily operating close to the border, and are not involved in a major push further into Lebanon. One reason is the war against Iran.

“Most of the air assets are being used on that front,” says an Israeli security official.