Lebanon: Israel Changes 'Rules of Engagement'...Drops 'Civilian Immunity' Principle

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

51% : Objectives Behind the Escalation In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, retired Brigadier General Saeed Qazzah said Israel's overall strategy has not changed, stressing that its constant goal remains "to subdue Hezbollah and the Axis of Resistance - from Iran to Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, and finally Lebanon." He said that Israel's foremost priority is to ensure the security of its settlers in northern Israel, relying on a tactic of concentrated strikes against what it deems military targets - including fighters, combat equipment, and weapons depots -"even if these are located in populated areas, and regardless of civilian presence or casualties, which it considers collateral damage.
49% : " He added that Israel's goal is "to weaken support for Hezbollah and prompt segments of its base to question the value of continuing down this path.
41% : These incidents mark Israel's escalating pattern of attacks, which in recent months have increasingly penetrated populated areas.
41% : " Qazzah added that "this behavior is nothing new; we saw it clearly in Gaza, where Israel showed little regard for civilian lives.
41% : " He affirmed that Israel is working to intensify its strikes in the coming two months, predicting "an increase in assassinations and targeted attacks against Hezbollah members and facilities - even within civilian gatherings.
39% : A Shift in the Rules of Engagement In the past, Israel tended to target military locations only when they were clearly separated from civilian areas, to minimize collateral damage.
38% : " "Israel does not concern itself with civilian casualties, and no one holds it accountable," underscored Qazzah, noting that it will continue striking what it considers military targets anywhere in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah has not clearly committed to the government decision issued on August 5 regarding the state's monopoly on arms.
37% : Escalatory Israeli Rhetoric and Intelligence Warnings This military development is accompanied by a hardline discourse in Israel.

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