Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads. As Israeli airstrikes continue and large areas of the south remain under Israeli military control, pressure is also mounting on Hezbollah to disarm.
On this episode of Bigger Than Five, Lebanese minister Kamal Shehadi tells Ghida Fakhry that "we’re not going to compromise. Not one inch from Lebanon," while insisting that "Hezbollah cannot continue to be an Iranian militia operating in Lebanon freely."
Meanwhile, UNIFIL spokesperson Tilak Pokharel says peacekeepers have been "recording daily violations" and have witnessed "airstrikes, demolitions and ground incursions" by Israeli forces.
Can diplomacy force Israel to withdraw – or is a prolonged military presence in southern Lebanon becoming the new reality?