'Israel' will not dismantle or defeat Hezbollah: Ex-Israeli colonel
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Retired Israeli commanders doubt "Israel's" ability to diminish the Lebanese Resistance group's capabilities.
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Members of the Israeli forces watch a fire after a rocket, fired from Lebanon, hit an area near the settlement of Rosh Pinna, northern occupied Palestine, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 (AP)
"Israel" will not dismantle or defeat Hezbollah, retired Israeli military colonel and national security expert Kobi Marom, told the Israeli Channel 12 on Friday, underlining that the Israeli occupation lacks the capacity to achieve such an objective.
Highlighting the challenges facing the Israeli military, Marom noted, "Israel is experiencing difficult days in the North, with tough fighting" against the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon. He acknowledged Hezbollah's growing firepower and leadership capabilities, even as diplomatic negotiations are underway.
Marom also urged caution regarding a potential Iranian response, noting the Israeli occupation's repeated failure over the past year to accurately assess its adversaries' intentions. Reflecting on the toll of the prolonged war, he stated that "Israel" was grappling with "significant repercussions across the military, reserves, and the economy."
On the military front, Marom pointed to substantial burdens placed on the regular forces and a growing ammunition shortage, while also acknowledging the severe strain on the reserve forces. Economically, he noted that "each day of war costs around a billion shekels, which is a heavy burden on Israel."
Hezbollah losses not as significant as made out to be
In the same broadcast, former Israeli air defense commander Brigadier General (Res.) Zvika Haimovich questioned recent statements by Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant, who claimed Hezbollah had suffered "substantial losses in rockets and drones."
Haimovich labeled these claims as "inaccurate," asserting that Hezbollah retains sufficient resources to sustain operations for an extended period. "War has its costs," he warned.
Channel 12's northern correspondent, Adar Gitsis, reported that Hezbollah has launched "countless attacks" and remains capable of firing rockets despite attempts to broker a political settlement.
Gitsis noted that even a limited barrage, such as 60 rockets instead of 200, can have lethal consequences, with a single rocket capable of causing multiple casualties.
Northern settlements leaders sound alarm
Beni Ben Muvhar, head of the so-called Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Council, recently stated that any agreement with Lebanon would not ensure security for northern settlers, warning it could take "at least five years for normalcy to return."
In an interview with the Israeli Kan channel, Ben Muvhar stressed that there is "no security in the North," and warned of the "great risk" of Hezbollah strikes on settlements such as Metula, Manara, Kfar Yuval, and Margaliot.
Former Northern Corps Commander Major General (Res.) Noam Tibon also emphasized the need for a political settlement with Lebanon. He cautioned that Hezbollah's confidence is likely to grow, leading to further attacks and increased casualties among Israeli forces if a resolution is not reached.
Resounding losses
Hezbollah recently released an overview of the latest field developments in southern Lebanon and the Northern Front, revealing its latest tally of losses on the Israeli side.
It is worth noting that this tally only includes Israeli losses since the start of the ground invasion of southern Lebanon.
