Hezbollah’s restrained response to the Gaza conflict

Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has refrained from declaring an all-out war on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision is seen as a tactical move, considering the lack of public support for another war in Lebanon, coupled with the country’s struggling economy and political system. Nasrallah’s speech, delivered via video link, garnered attention not only from his supporters but also from Tel Aviv and Washington. Hezbollah’s actions in the coming days will play a crucial role in determining the escalation of the situation. Nasrallah stated that “all options are open” and that military escalation could happen based on Israel’s actions in Gaza and its approach towards Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah has increased cross-border attacks, forcing Israel to divert troops to the area. However, Hamas, Hezbollah’s ally, wants further involvement from the group. Nasrallah hinted at the possibility of further escalation and emphasized that recent attacks by Hamas were carried out independently without any regional or international influences. The rally held in the Hezbollah heartland saw staunch support for the group, with attendees expressing their willingness to stand with Nasrallah, even in the face of war. However, it appears that for now, Hezbollah intends to let Hamas lead the fight in Gaza. The situation could quickly change if Hamas faces imminent defeat, potentially leading to a larger-scale war involving Hezbollah. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and if Hezbollah’s restraint will continue.