In this special episode of Frontlines, Luca Steinmann joins us from Beirut to provide an on-the-ground perspective on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the humanitarian crisis unfolding in southern Lebanon, and the growing influence of Iran and the United States over the country’s fate.
While fighting continues in southern Lebanon and Israeli forces remain active on the ground, Luca argues that the future of the conflict may not be decided in Beirut at all. Instead, many Lebanese believe the key decisions are being made in Washington, Tehran, and Jerusalem.
We discuss:
Why many Lebanese feel trapped in a war they never chose
Growing dissatisfaction with Hezbollah among parts of the population
Hezbollah’s evolving military strategy and use of drones
Israel’s objectives in southern Lebanon and whether they are achievable
The humanitarian situation facing displaced civilians
Christian communities caught between Hezbollah and Israel
The role of the Lebanese government and why it struggles to assert control
UN peacekeepers and their controversial mission in the region
Whether diplomacy between the United States and Iran could determine the outcome of the war
Luca also shares firsthand observations from Beirut, where some neighborhoods continue daily life while others remain under the constant shadow of conflict.
