Is an Israel-Syria pincer attack on Hezbollah in the works?

An intriguing theory has emerged that an Israel-Syria pincer attack on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah could be in the works. This idea emerged following US President Donald Trump's suggestion that the Syrian army might be best suited to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon. Historically, the 1970s saw a similar pincer movement when Syrian forces entered Lebanon in 1976, followed by an Israeli invasion in 1978.

The US played a pivotal role in orchestrating these events, with Israel approaching from the south and Syria from the north and east. While a literal replay of this historical period is unlikely due to the significant changes in political and military conditions, observers are exploring whether some of the mechanisms might be adapted for the current regional context.

For the Americans, Hezbollah symbolizes Iranian influence in the Levant, and they have developed a positive relationship with Syria's interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Consequently, Washington is contemplating Syria as a potential partner to encircle Iran's principal proxy in the region through a dual approach: one led by Israel and the other by Syria.