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Shimon Shapira

Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dr. Shimon Shapira is a senior research associate at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He served as Military Secretary to the Prime Minister and as Israel Foreign Ministry chief of staff. He edited the Jerusalem Center eBook Iran: From Regional Challenge to Global Threat.

Recent threats from the Lebanese terror group show that it believes Israel’s desire to avoid a military clash is a sign of weakness.
For Iran, “Palestine” is only one part of a complex strategy aimed at Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon; each arena has its own blueprint, a toolbox of hostile insurgency actions and the guidance of Hezbollah, the Quds Force and well-trained militias.
Lebanon is on the verge of collapse, raising the real possibility that Tehran may be able to realize its vision of taking over the country.
Despite Hezbollah’s denials, the group continues to store equipment that can produce components for missiles and warheads.
The coronavirus pandemic offers Hezbollah a rare opportunity to present itself as a Lebanese movement that acts on behalf of the Lebanese state.
With the countdown to war between Israel and Hezbollah having begun, it’s worth remembering that it is Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani that sets the boundaries of this conflict.
Due to Israel’s determined attacks in Syria, Iran and Hezbollah have made a strategic decision to build infrastructure in Lebanon for upgrading the terrorist group’s missile arsenal.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has revealed new details about the disastrous 1997 ambush in Lebanon that cost the lives of 12 Israeli commandos.
This attack indicated Iran’s readiness to ratchet up the level of violence and take greater risks of a strong Israeli reaction, thereby leading to a military deterioration with Israel.