Israel, Hezbollah preparing for war since 2006: researcher

Amid Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza, the country is also facing a serious threat from Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Political and strategic affairs researcher Khalil Elhalo has claimed that the IDF and Hezbollah have been preparing for this confrontation since the 2006 Lebanon War. The 2006 war ended in a stalemate with both sides claiming victories. But much has changed since.

Elhalo said that in 2006, there were no anti-missile defense systems in Israel but today they have the Iron Dome system, David's Sling and the Arrow 3 system among other hi-tech defence systems.

On the other hand, Hezbollah has been steadily growing its facilities, most of which are underground and invisible. Elhalo said that in the last two decades, Hezbollah has recruited many young men from the southern region to its ranks.

A full-blown war now is likely to see involvement of more than two parties. A top US military officer has said that an Israeli military offensive into Lebanon will risk an Iranian response in defence of Hezbollah, triggering a broader war that could put US forces in the region in danger.

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