The situation in Lebanon has, for decades, presented Israel with a complex strategic dilemma: How can Hezbollah be deterred and disarmed without being dragged into a broad, costly war that could destabilize the region and damage relations with other regional partners?

The Evolution of the Threat

Since the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Hezbollah has transformed from a guerrilla militia into a hybrid military force. It now possesses precision-guided missiles, drone systems, and a vast civilian infrastructure used as a human shield.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese government remains in a position of extreme weakness. It lacks real control over the state and depends politically and economically on external actors. This power vacuum has allowed Hezbollah to operate as a “state within a state,” systematically violating UN resolutions, most notably Resolution 1701. For........

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