An opinion article argues that Israel and Lebanon are both victims of Iran and its proxy force Hezbollah, despite appearances that Israel holds the upper hand militarily. It contends that Iran’s support for Hezbollah has entrenched instability in Lebanon and repeatedly drawn both countries into destructive conflict, undermining the possibility of a lasting peace. Former United States President Donald Trump is described as seeking negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese leaders, with the condition that Iran end its backing of Hezbollah.

The piece portrays Lebanon as effectively under Iranian influence through Hezbollah, which it says operates independently of the Lebanese government and against the interests of many Lebanese citizens. It recounts the history of conflict along the border, including past Israeli withdrawals and Hezbollah’s subsequent claims of victory, as well as repeated rocket attacks on northern Israel that have displaced civilians on both sides.

The article further argues that Iran has pursued a long-term strategy of surrounding Israel with armed groups in Gaza, southern Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to prevent normalization with Arab neighbors and exhaust Israeli society. It claims that recent escalations, including large-scale rocket fire from Lebanon, are part of this broader campaign. The author concludes that both Israel and Lebanon suffer as a result of Iran’s regional ambitions and warns that Western criticism of Israel often ignores the cumulative security threats it faces.