The Fox News Rundown Israel Intensifies Operations Against Hezbollah In Lebanon
Mar 17, 2026
Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Middle East security expert. He discusses Israel’s expanded operations in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s missile threat. He outlines Israeli tactics, risks of ground mobilization, Lebanon’s political fractures, and how Iran shapes Hezbollah’s future. Short, sharp analysis of strategy and regional stakes.
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Hezbollah Was Heavily Damaged But Still Dangerous
- Israel significantly degraded Hezbollah after the 2024 beeper operation and sustained strikes, forcing a tenuous ceasefire that left Hezbollah weakened but rebuilding.
- Jonathan Schanzer notes Israel destroyed much infrastructure in Dahia and many long-range munitions, yet Hezbollah still retains an estimated ~30,000 projectiles at 20% capacity.
Hezbollah's Strike Triggered Broader Israeli Campaign
- Hezbollah's limited provocation during the Iran war gave Israel a pretext to widen operations in Lebanon and go after remaining capabilities.
- Schanzer describes Hezbollah firing rockets as walking into a trap that prompted Israel to unleash broader campaigns and call up 450,000 troops.
Dahia Reduced To Rubble And Arsenal Shrunk
- Schanzer recounts Dahia, Hezbollah's Beirut stronghold, being reduced to rubble by strikes that mirror Gaza's devastation.
- He also recalls Hezbollah once holding about 150,000 projectiles before the 2024 fighting significantly depleted that stock.