Why is Israel attacking Lebanon? – The Latest

In this episode of The Guardian's Today in Focus, the focus is on the renewed conflict in Lebanon as Israel has launched ground operations in the southern parts of the country. The host Nosheen Iqbal speaks with Will Christou, a reporter based in Beirut, who describes the chaotic scenes since the bombardment began. The atmosphere in Beirut has turned overwhelmingly warlike, reminiscent of previous conflicts, with many civilians fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in safer areas of the city.

Christou explains the sense of despair among the Lebanese populace as they endure yet another war, highlighting how this latest flare-up is different from prior ones. The initial solidarity seen during the last conflict is replaced by frustration towards Hezbollah, which many believe unnecessarily escalated the situation by entering the war in support of Iran after a series of cross-border attacks.

Hezbollah’s historical role, origins, and current relationship with Iran are discussed, indicating that the group's decision-making power has increasingly shifted towards Iranian influence. The evolving dynamics and capabilities of Hezbollah are examined, along with Israel's military objectives, including emptying southern Lebanon to weaken Hezbollah’s operational capacity.

The conversation also touches on the implications of this conflict for regional stability, with Christou stating that the situation has quickly developed into a broader regional war involving multiple countries. The dangers of miscalculations leading to further escalation are highlighted, suggesting a precarious situation that could spiral out of control. Overall, the episode paints a bleak picture of the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon and its consequences for the larger Middle East.