Israeli campaign in Lebanon seeks to 'degrade' Hezbollah’s rocket, drone and missile capabilities

AFP / France 24
by FRANCE24
March 16, 2026
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3 min read

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Israel conducts expanded military operation to permanently degrade Hezbollah's rocket and missile capabilities.

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Israel is conducting an expanded military operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon with the goal of permanently degrading the group's rocket, drone and missile capabilities. According to Dr. Raz Zimmt from the Institute for National Security Studies, Israel's strategy extends beyond immediate tactical gains to focus on long-term degradation of Iran and its regional proxies' military power. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has built up extensive weapons stockpiles in southern Lebanon over the years, posing a direct threat to Israeli population centers. The campaign represents Israel's effort to neutralize this threat while weakening Iran's network of allied militant groups across the region. Success will depend not only on battlefield results but also on broader political developments within Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

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