The two states are working closer now than they have for decades, with Hezbollah a common problem. But Syria's army entering Lebanon is not the answer.
Beyond Israel's immediate security aims lies a much larger struggle over Lebanon's future—one that will unfold over years, in multiple stages, and cannot be reduced to a simple question of force.
Proponents of a peace deal argue that by reducing security risks with Israel, Lebanon can move from a volatile frontier market into a regional hub much like the UAE.
An Israeli diplomat recently told Lebanese Shiites that Israel did not see them as the enemy, but it is a difficult argument to make given the death and destruction. Is there a better way?
Politically, it pays to press ahead with settlement expansion in Palestinian territory, so it is no surprise that attacks have increased in recent weeks
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has vowed to dissolve the country's armed groups by the end of September, but several factors mean that this is highly unlikely