The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim Inside Lebanon: A war within the war
Mar 25, 2026
Reports from Beirut show neighborhoods devastated and over a million people displaced. A tense press briefing in Tel Aviv raises questions about long-term military aims and regional pipelines. Discussions cover possible US troop moves, shifting front lines, and fears of carving new borders in Lebanon. Regional mediators and the risk of wider sectarian fallout are also explored.
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Netanyahu Frames Campaign As US-Led Strike On Iran
- Benjamin Netanyahu framed the campaign as targeted at Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, claiming Israel and the US are decimating those capabilities.
- He insisted Israel is not dragging the US into war and said the US initiated action, shifting responsibility to Washington's leadership.
Long Term Goal To Recarve Regional Influence
- Richard Engel describes a long-term Israeli strategy to reshape the region after weakening or removing Iran's revolutionary regime.
- He highlights possible US Marine deployments to take islands and a regional plan to reroute oil pipelines west to Israel's ports.
Treat Ultimatums As Political Market Management
- Richard Engel cautions that President Trump's 48-hour ultimatum then five-day extension looked timed to calm markets and buy political time.
- He notes Trump broke the news to business channels before markets opened, suggesting deliberate market management.