,Containing the Escalating Crisis in Lebanon

Containing the Escalating Crisis in Lebanon


 

Publication Date: July 2006

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James Phillips; James Jay Carafano

Research Area: International relations

Keywords: Middle East

Type: Brief

Coverage: Israel Lebanon

Abstract:

Hezbollah and Israel are locked in an escalating conflict that will not be resolved soon. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah--nor Hezbollah's Iranian and Syrian backers--is willing to accept a ceasefire on terms acceptable to the other. Hezbollah continues to launch cross-border rocket attacks, and Israel is determined to reduce the rocket threat as rapidly and effectively as possible through systematic air strikes and to secure the return of its kidnapped soldiers. Any proposed diplomatic solution must not merely seek a return to the status quo ante because that has become an inherently unstable and dangerous situation.