Will cease-fire agreement between Israel - Lebanon stop attacks to Syria, Yemen and Gaza

Introduction

The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, effective November 27, 2024, primarily addresses the conflict between these two entities and does not directly impact ongoing hostilities in Gaza or other regions like Syria and Yemen. However, it has several indirect implications for those areas.

Implications for Attacks on Syria, Yemen, and Gaza

Increased Focus on Gaza:

With the ceasefire in Lebanon, Israel may redirect its military focus back to Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that halting hostilities with Hezbollah allows Israel to concentrate on Hamas, which remains a significant threat. This shift could lead to intensified military operations in Gaza, where Israeli forces are already engaged in heavy combat against Hamas. Observers fear this could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, especially as Israel aims to dismantle Hamas entirely.

Potential Isolation of Gaza:

The ceasefire may contribute to the isolation of Gaza from regional support. As Hezbollah steps back from direct confrontation with Israel, Hamas could find itself increasingly alone in its struggle against Israeli military actions. This dynamic could weaken Palestinian resistance efforts and diminish morale among those supporting Hamas.

Impact on Regional Dynamics:

The ceasefire might alter the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. For instance, if Hezbollah reduces its military engagement with Israel, it could signal a shift in Iran’s influence through its proxies. This change may affect how Iran supports groups like Hamas and other militant factions in Syria and Yemen. However, the extent of this impact remains uncertain as Iran continues to back these groups strategically.

Ongoing Conflict in Syria and Yemen:

The ceasefire does not directly address conflicts in Syria or Yemen. Israel’s military operations against Iranian positions in Syria are likely to continue independently of the situation with Hezbollah, as these operations are aimed at preventing Iranian entrenchment near its borders. Similarly, the ongoing civil war in Yemen involves different dynamics that are not influenced by the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Psychological Impact on Palestinian Resistance:

The perception that Hezbollah has altered its stance—now willing to cease attacks unless there is a broader resolution—could have psychological ramifications for Palestinians in Gaza. It may reinforce feelings of isolation among Gazans and contribute to a sense that their resistance is increasingly unsupported by regional allies.

Conclusion

While the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah marks a significant development for stability along the Israeli-Lebanese border, it does not provide a comprehensive solution to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Syria, or Yemen. Instead, it may lead to heightened military activity in Gaza as Israel shifts its focus back to Hamas while potentially isolating Palestinian resistance movements further. The broader implications for regional dynamics remain complex and uncertain, influenced by various geopolitical factors beyond the immediate ceasefire agreement.