Lebanese Army Silent Amid Israeli Offensive

As Israel intensifies its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Lebanese army remains largely passive, unable to engage effectively due to its outdated equipment and lack of air defenses. With only 80,000 troops compared to Hezbollah's estimated 100,000 fighters, Lebanon's military, led by Gen. Joseph Aoun, is overshadowed and politically constrained amid a prolonged economic crisis. The ongoing clashes began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah fired rockets in solidarity with Hamas, prompting Israel to launch a ground invasion and significant aerial bombardments. Hospitals in northern Israel, like Ziv Medical Center, are on high alert for potential casualties from the conflict, anticipating an escalation as Israeli forces prepare for a larger military engagement. The situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of UN resolutions aimed at demilitarizing southern Lebanon, which many view as having failed to prevent current hostilities. As the conflict unfolds, the Lebanese army's role as a unifying institution is tested, while the region braces for possible further violence.