Israel launches operations in Lebanon - What's behind the escalation?

Tensions in the Middle East are ramping up at an alarming rate.

Israel’s Defence Forces have said it has begun a "targeted" ground operation into southern Lebanon against “terrorist targets”.

It comes after days of airstrikes within Beirut’s city limits, which started after Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The escalation in the war has killed civilians, destroyed homes and displaced 1 million people in Lebanon.

Today on The Front Page, Waikato University international law professor, Al Gillespie joins us to discuss.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

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