The Take Why Israel’s war on Hezbollah keeps returning
8 snips
Mar 8, 2026 Hala Jaber, British-Lebanese award-winning reporter known for decades of conflict coverage, joins to unpack Lebanon’s latest bombardment. She describes mass displacement and Israel’s tactic of punishing Shiite communities. She explains why Israel’s bid to turn civilians against Hezbollah has failed and outlines Hezbollah’s rationale for escalation. She reflects on Lebanon’s resilience and regional stakes.
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Bombing As Pressure Tactic
- Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon aims to punish Shiite communities and pressure them to turn against Hezbollah.
- Hala Jaber describes widespread indiscriminate demolition of civilian buildings and mass displacement concentrated in Beirut and the south.
Punishment Often Strengthens Hezbollah
- Trying to force a community to abandon Hezbollah is historically ineffective and often backfires.
- Jaber explains communities tend to rally around Hezbollah when they feel it's being targeted or threatened.
Fifteen Months Of Escalation Before Retaliation
- Hala Jaber recounts that the current war traces back 15 months of Israeli breaches and bombardments before Hezbollah's recent response.
- She cites over 11,000 violations and 400-plus people killed during that period as context for Hezbollah's action.