Lebanon has been pulled into the war with Iran after Hezbollah – weakened by months of confrontation and under pressure to disarm – fired long-range missiles and drones into northern Israel on Monday. Within hours, Israeli forces launched heavy air raids across the country, killing dozens and triggering a large-scale flight of civilians.
The escalation marks a decisive step for the Shiite political and military movement. When Israel and the United States launched military action against Iran on Saturday morning, Hezbollah faced a crucial choice – remain on the sidelines or get involved. By dawn on Monday, it had made its choice.
