Growing Concern: Hezbollah Changes Its Tactics as the Israeli Army Prepares for the Next Challenge

Source: Maariv

Publication Date: August 8, 2026

By: Avi Ashkenazi

Ashkenazi describes the incident in Majdal Zoun, in southern Lebanon’s western sector, as extremely serious for Israel, after an explosive device detonated inside a building, killing two Israeli soldiers and wounding four others.

According to the article, Hezbollah is seeking to develop a guerrilla warfare approach in the area and challenge the deployment of the Israeli military, in what the author describes as an operation carried out with Iran’s approval and according to its timing.

Ashkenazi criticizes the Israeli military’s response, describing it as slow and limited, noting that hours passed before airstrikes and artillery fire were carried out. In his assessment, the targeting of Al-Mansouri, located within the so-called “Yellow Line,” was insufficient to deliver a strong deterrent message.

Gaza: Political Restrictions on Assassinations

In Gaza, the article indicates that the military is attempting to avoid escalation amid political restrictions on assassination operations. Any operation that does not fall under the category of “self-defense” requires approval from the Chief of Staff or the political leadership.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the military would continue operating according to the principle of “eliminating threats and protecting communities and civilians,” stressing that Israel would not allow a threat similar to the events of October 7 to emerge again.

Challenges on Multiple Fronts

Ashkenazi argues that the Israeli military is heading into an extremely complex period, with continued challenges in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, particularly as the Jewish holidays approach and amid expectations that new settlements will be established in the West Bank on September 1.

Given the need to transfer additional forces to the West Bank, the article expects more reservists to be called up, while a number of regular soldiers who have completed 32 months of compulsory service have reportedly received emergency call-up orders under Military Order No. 8, even during their discharge period. They are expected to return to service immediately after their official discharge during August.

Bottom Line:

The article portrays an Israeli military facing growing attrition and simultaneous challenges across multiple fronts, while Hezbollah’s evolving tactics in southern Lebanon are increasingly viewed as a mounting security challenge.