The conflict between Iran and Israel is significantly impacting Lebanon. These nations use Lebanon to further their strategic interests in the Middle East.
Recent events have raised tensions in the region. On Sunday, Hezbollah, an armed group in Lebanon supported by Iran, launched an attack on Israel. This led to Israeli retaliation in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a key Hezbollah area. In return, Iran attacked northern Israel.
Experts highlight that Israel and Iran’s leadership see Beirut as a crucial point, leading to increased tensions and posing the risk of a wider conflict.
“Lebanon is caught between Iranian and Israeli interests and a site where neither is willing to compromise,” remarked Lina Khatib, an associate fellow at the Chatham House research institute in London.
The ongoing conflict involves attempts at negotiation. The U.S., under President Trump, seeks to end its war with Iran, which would require peace agreements involving Lebanon. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not support this approach, maintaining the Israeli military stance against Hezbollah.
Netanyahu argues that Iran and Hezbollah are trying to establish a new status quo by retaliating against Israeli actions in Beirut. He finds this development intolerable.