Context:

Israel has initiated its first ground incursions in months into southern Lebanon, marking an escalation in its efforts to weaken Hezbollah amid increasing pressure for the group to disarm. These operations, part of near-daily strikes, have raised concerns that the fragile cease-fire may not hold. The Israeli-Hezbollah conflict previously resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with no clear plan for reconstruction. Diplomatic efforts are underway, led by the U.S., to press for Hezbollah's disarmament, but the militia's leader insists they will not disarm until Israeli attacks cease. The geopolitical landscape remains tense, with Iran's weakened support and the fall of Syria's Assad regime further isolating Hezbollah, while Lebanon's government seeks to consolidate military control in the south.

Dive Deeper:

• Israel has escalated its military operations against Hezbollah with new ground incursions in southern Lebanon, aiming to further weaken the Iran-backed group amid mounting disarmament pressures. These actions have added to fears that the tenuous cease-fire, established in November, might not be sustained.

• The recent Israeli operations targeted and destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure, though the precise timing of these operations was not disclosed by the Israeli military. Footage was released showing soldiers conducting nighttime operations in Lebanese territory.

• Hezbollah, weakened by last year's war and struggling to recover, has not militarily responded to Israeli attacks since agreeing to the cease-fire. The group previously played a significant role in Lebanon's politics, amassing a powerful arsenal and maintaining a stronger military force than the Lebanese Army.

• The U.S. and Israel are intensifying diplomatic efforts to disarm Hezbollah, a core requirement of the cease-fire agreement. U.S. envoy Thomas J. Barrack Jr. labeled the cease-fire a 'total failure' due to ongoing violations by both Israel and Hezbollah, with each accusing the other of maintaining unauthorized military positions.

• Hezbollah's disarmament is a contentious issue in Lebanon, with the group remaining the only militia allowed to retain its weapons after the Lebanese civil war. The Lebanese government has dismantled military sites in the south but has not set a timeline for full disarmament, and Hezbollah's leader has stated they will not disarm until Israeli attacks stop.

• The geopolitical tension is heightened by regional dynamics, including Iran's weakened position following recent attacks on its nuclear facilities, and the collapse of Syria's Assad regime, which previously supported Hezbollah. This isolation complicates the strategic landscape for Hezbollah as it navigates pressures from both domestic and international actors.

• Despite ongoing military actions, there is a diplomatic push for a stand-down agreement and a cessation of hostilities, with U.S. envoy Barrack expressing satisfaction with Lebanon's response to a disarmament proposal. However, the path to peace remains uncertain amid continued Israeli airstrikes and political maneuvering.