Professor Efraim Inbar, Head Of Jerusalem Think Tank: IDF Must Prepare For Operations Against Hezbollah

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Professor Efraim Inbar, one of the leading conservative strategic studies experts and founder of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies (JISS), has called on Israel to initiative a “preventative war against Hezbollah” as part of its strategy for preventing Iranian influence in the region.

In a Jerusalem Post opinion article, Inbar wrote that the recent rocket barrage from Lebanon was initiated by the pro-Iran elements in Lebanon which wish “to accustom Israel to the dripping of missiles from Palestinian organizations in southern Lebanon,” and “surround Israel with a circle of missile fire to make the lives of its citizens miserable.”

According to Inbar, the recent social unrest and divisions in Israeli society over judicial reforms are perceived by Israel’s enemies as eroding its military deterrent, as it cannot act militarily while its society is so polarized.

However, “Iran has armed Hezbollah with more than 100,000 missiles that can cover the entire territory of Israel. It is clear to everyone that someone will use the missiles in this extensive arsenal and Iran’s efforts to upgrade Hezbollah missile stockpiles are likely to be at least partially successful”. Professor Inbar believes that the key to restoring the deterrent and initiating a response to Iranian nuclear activity is a preventative war in the North to destroy the stockpiles of missiles in the region.

Inbar believes that such a war initiated by Israel will require international legitimacy but the current chaos in Lebanon and the missile attacks on Israel “are an opportunity to begin understanding Israel’s need to take action. Lebanon and Hezbollah must be firmly linked to Iranian aggression in the international and Israeli consciousness. Tehran’s rapid progress toward the bomb and Iran’s growing identification as an ally of Russia fighting in Ukraine may allow more freedom of action for Israel.”

War unfortunately leades to casualties and Inbar is keenly aware of this, stating that ” “restoring Israel’s deterrence involves using military force. Generally, maintaining deterrence requires a periodical demonstration of Israeli determination, effective use of power and a willingness to risk absorbing casualties.”

Such a war is alos required to persuade Israel’s allies from the Abraham Accords that it intends to pursue its strategic goals using military power. Inbar is concerned that otherwise these allies, like Saudi Arabia, may turn to Iran rather than relying on Israel. Thus, “the time for Israel to act is getting closer.”