Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah 'could escalate further' | 7.30

Summary

In this interview, Dr. Abdal Abh Habib discusses the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, emphasizing that while there is already a war in South Lebanon and Northern Israel, peace talks are ongoing with the hope for a ceasefire. He highlights Lebanon's desire for peace, the negative impacts of the conflict on the economy and daily life, and the importance of a two-state solution for the Palestinian crisis. Dr. Habib also addresses concerns about the potential spread of Hezbollah's ideology to Australia, asserting that it is not a legitimate fear given the different circumstances in Australia.

Takeaways

• 🔍 There is an ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly in South Lebanon and Northern Israel.
• 🔄 The assassination of Hezbollah Commander Fad shukar by Israel is seen as an escalation of this conflict.
• 🕊️ There is a current effort to give peace talks a chance to succeed, with a general desire for peace among involved parties.
• 🤝 Lebanon has indirect communication with Hezbollah through various levels of government, including the parliament.
• 🏠 The resistance movement exists due to the occupation of Lebanese land by Israel, and it would cease if the land is returned.
• 🚫 Lebanese people do not want war and desire Israel to withdraw to internationally recognized borders.
• 🛡️ Lebanon seeks a secure border and peace with Israel, without the constant threat of conflict.
• 🚨 The rocket firing by Hezbollah towards Israel is seen as detrimental to Lebanon's economy and livelihood.
• 🌍 Lebanon has a deep understanding of the refugee crisis, hosting millions of Syrians and approximately 170,000 Palestinians.
• 🇦🇺 Developed countries like Australia are being urged to take more refugees from the war in Gaza, but Palestinians primarily wish to stay in Gaza.
• 🏛️ The solution to the Palestinian issue is seen as the establishment of a Palestinian State, aligning with the two-state solution proposed by the United Nations in 1948.
• 🚫 Dr. Abdullah buh Habib disagrees with making it illegal for Australians to travel to Hezbollah-controlled areas in Lebanon, considering it a risky but not necessarily prohibited action.
• 🛂 The fear of Hezbollah's ideology being imported to Australia is not seen as legitimate, as the context of resistance in Lebanon does not apply to Australia.

Q & A

What is the current situation between Hezbollah and Israel according to Dr. Abdal Abh Habib?

Dr. Abdal Abh Habib states that there is already a war going on between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly in South Lebanon and Northern Israel.

How does Dr. Abdal Abh Habib view the assassination of Hezbollah Commander Fad shukar by Israel?

He believes that the assassination escalated the war and could potentially lead to further escalations in the future.

What is the current stance of Lebanon on the peace process?

Lebanon is giving a chance for peace talks to succeed, as everyone wants peace, but acknowledges that new conditions from Israel often arise, hindering progress.

What is Dr. Abdal Abh Habib's opinion on the influence of Lebanese government on Hezbollah's actions?

He mentions that there are indirect representatives of Hezbollah in the government, and they are part of Lebanese society, indicating that there is communication and consultation with them at all levels of the government.

What is the primary reason for the resistance movement in Lebanon, according to Dr. Abdal Abh Habib?

The resistance movement exists because Israel occupies part of Lebanon's land. If Israel returns the land, the reason for resistance would vanish.

What do ordinary people of Lebanon want regarding the conflict with Israel?

Ordinary people in Lebanon do not want war and wish for Israel to withdraw to its internationally recognized borders, thereby securing peace on the borders.

How does Dr. Abdal Abh Habib view the impact of Hezbollah's rocket firing on Lebanon itself?

He would like Hezbollah to stop the rocket firing as it is hurting Lebanon's economy and life, particularly damaging the livelihood of some sectors of the economy.

What is Lebanon's understanding of the refugee crisis in the Middle East, particularly with Syrians and Palestinians?

Lebanon has an acute understanding of the refugee crisis, hosting millions of Syrians and approximately 170,000 Palestinians, and is aware of the challenges this brings.

What is Dr. Abdal Abh Habib's view on developed countries taking more refugees from the war in Gaza?

The transcript does not provide Dr. Abdal Abh Habib's direct opinion on this matter, but it implies the complexity of the issue and the desire for a Palestinian state as a solution.

What is Dr. Abdal Abh Habib's stance on making it illegal for Australians to travel to Hezbollah-controlled areas in Lebanon?

He disagrees with making it illegal, stating that it is risky and dangerous, but it should be a matter of personal choice, not law.

Does Dr. Abdal Abh Habib believe that Hezbollah's ideology could be imported back to Australia?

He does not believe so, stating that Hezbollah is a resistance movement due to the occupied land, and Australia does not have these problems, implying that the ideology would not be relevant or transplantable.