Hezbollah Opens a Second Front

If Israel chooses to limit its response to Lebanon, it may prove difficult to reconcile its desire to secure the release of its soldiers on terms that deter future Hezbollah operations, with its desire to avoid further escalation and to avert an outcome that further enhances Hezbollah's image. Thus, the logic of the current situation is likely to push Israel in the direction of abandoning restraints, broadening objectives, and expanding the scope of its operations in order to end the crisis on terms that it considers acceptable.