Israel's campaign against Hezbollah began with one of the boldest intelligence operations in recent memory. The pager attacks devastated the group's leadership, and Benjamin Netanyahu declared Hezbollah had been crushed. But eliminating a leader is one thing, defeating an ideology is another.
In southern Lebanon, Hezbollah is woven into daily life. After decades of conflict and a weak central government, it provides schools, healthcare and social services alongside its military wing.
That leaves Bibi Netanyahu and Donald Trump facing the same problem. Netanyahu needs enough security for evacuated Israelis to return to the north before the Israeli election in October. Trump needs a lasting peace deal before the midterms in November. The trouble is, both men need different endings to the same war.
Catch up on our previous episode on Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah:
Why Israel-Hezbollah threatens Trump’s Iran peace plan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPiRij4cXy8
Hezbollah: Explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQx0U-bfd7A
Watch all episodes of If You're Listening in our playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDTPrMoGHssAfgMMS3L5LpLNFMNp1U_Nq&si=8PbNZ381z7UkYtUJ

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