Ultimately, I think this particular action has to be seen in the context of the symbiosis

between Washington and Tel Aviv that we've seen over the last nine, ten months.

Hezbollah's northern front was designed to support Hamas's bargaining position and force a hostage

exchange and ceasefire by raising the costs of prolonged war.

But Washington departed from what might have been thought to be its usual position

because it wanted the most punishing and overwhelming victory for Israel possible.

So not just a quick mowing of the lawn, followed by a dialing down of hostilities,

but something that would spread pessimism and fear throughout the Middle East.

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