Israel's Lebanon offensive 'may ultimately legitimise Hezbollah, reinforce narrative of resistance'

As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, Oliver Farry is pleased to welcome Dr Filippo Dionigi, Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations at the University of Bristol. The fragile process aimed at disarming Hezbollah hangs in the balance. A negotiated political settlement could have strengthened Lebanese state institutions and gradually curtailed Hezbollah’s militant activity. Instead, the renewed violence risks restoring Hezbollah’s narrative of resistance and producing the opposite outcome that Israel seeks to achieve.