Question everyone wonders: Will Iran abandon Hezbollah in the face of Israel’s attacks?
Smoke rises above Lebanon, following an Israeli strike, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, May 5, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
Hezbollah has reportedly urged Iran to launch an attack against Israel amid escalating hostilities between the Lebanese militant group and the Israeli military, according to a report from the U.S.-based media outlet Axios. However, it appears that Iran may abandon Hezbollah in this critical moment.
This claim follows statements made by two Israeli officials and a Western diplomat who provided information to Axios. However, Iran has refrained from taking direct action thus far, indicating a possible shift in their support for the group.
Iran hesitant amid UN General Assembly
Iranian officials reportedly advised their Hezbollah counterparts that “the timing isn’t right” for an attack, as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is currently attending the U.N. General Assembly in New York. This situation raises questions about whether Iran will abandon Hezbollah when it matters most.
During a briefing on Monday in New York, Pezeshkian asserted that Israel is the party seeking to escalate the conflict and emphasized Iran’s desire to avoid falling into this “trap.”
Israeli officials seek to avoid provocation
Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official indicated that the security cabinet has directed the Israel Defense Forces to avoid actions that could provide Iran with justification for joining the conflict, thereby potentially leading Iran to abandon Hezbollah.
In another development, Iranian President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s position in a CNN interview on Monday, stating that Iran does not wish for Lebanon to become another Gaza. He pledged support for Hezbollah, emphasizing that the group cannot stand alone against a country backed by Western and U.S. support.
Hezbollah faces heavy casualties in escalating conflict
The Israeli army launched waves of airstrikes in Lebanon early Monday, targeting what it described as Hezbollah positions amid an escalation in hostilities between the two sides.
According to Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad, the airstrikes have resulted in over 560 fatalities, including 95 women and 50 children, with 1,835 individuals injured. “The majority of the victims in the Israeli attacks since Monday morning are defenseless civilians in their homes. This refutes the enemy’s allegations of targeting fighters,” Abiad stated.
Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the onset of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed more than 41,400 lives, predominantly women and children, following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7.
The international community has expressed concerns about the strikes on Lebanon, fearing the potential for a broader regional conflict, and the question of whether Iran will ultimately abandon Hezbollah remains a critical topic of discussion.
