In the attacks carried out by Israel on Friday in Beirut, in which Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed, everyone fears the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
Hugo Bachega, the BBC’s correspondent from the Middle East, claims that this is a dangerous and significant moment for that region.
Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist organization by the UK, US, and others, “don’t forget that this is a powerful organization [Hezbollah]. it is much more than a militia. It is also a political party here in Lebanon, it has representation in parliament, it is part of the government.” Bachega explains in the BBC video.
It is not known how Hezbollah will respond, he added, because they have not yet used their more sophisticated, precision-guided missiles that can reach targets deep inside Israeli territory.
He believes that their steps so far were indications that they are not interested in a major conflict with Israel, which would lead to the destruction of infrastructure and the murder of key leaders, which just happened.
– There was also concern that any kind of wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could force other Iranian-backed groups in the region to join Hezbollah in this fight. This is a very dangerous moment in the Middle East with unpredictable consequences – he said.
Frank Gardner, their second security correspondent, says targeting the Hezbollah leader is a major escalation and a major provocation for Iran. He explains that so far, Iran has largely remained on the sidelines during the recent flare-up of the conflict.
“But without him and so many senior commanders recently assassinated by Israel, the organisation will be severely damaged, both in reputation and in capability. There will be calls for revenge and all eyes will now be on Iran to see how it reacts,” says Gardner for the BBC.
Their editor, Jeremy Bowen, also writes that it is a massive escalation, which he believes Israel will perceive as the greatest triumph against the enemy so far.
“Over the last eleven months there has been an ongoing tit-for-tat between both sides, though with more pressure from the Israelis. But now they have decided they are going to push. They will be delighted with what they have done because – unlike the war against Hamas, which they did not expect – they have been planning this war since 2006. They are now putting those plans into effect,” explains the BBC editor.
