Retired Colonel Kobi Marom, a military expert on the northern front, has called for decisive Israeli action against Hezbollah, warning that the current situation presents a unique and fleeting opportunity for Israel to change the course of the conflict.

In an interview with Udi Segal and Anat Davidov on 103FM on Sunday morning, Marom highlighted the recent damage inflicted on Hezbollah’s command structure, stressing that the group is now in one of the most vulnerable positions in its history.

“This week has been the hardest in the organization’s history,” Marom said during the interview, underscoring the severe blows Hezbollah has suffered in recent Israeli operations. However, he firmly rejected the notion that these setbacks would lead Hezbollah to negotiate with Israel.

“The question is: where is Israel headed? Do Israel’s initiative, attack, and significant damage lead Iran and Hezbollah to reach an arrangement? I say no.”

Hezbollah’s Command Structure Crumbling

Marom, who has long studied Hezbollah’s military capabilities and political strategies, believes the group’s losses have been devastating, yet not enough to force a diplomatic resolution.

He argued that Hezbollah will only consider negotiations if Israel takes more aggressive action to dismantle its power centers in Beirut and Baalbek, where the group’s leadership is entrenched.

“Hezbollah will not sit down for negotiations,” Marom asserted. “What Israel is trying to do is escalate attacks, and doing more of the same is a mistake.”

The retired colonel explained that Israel is at a critical juncture, with a rare opportunity to deliver a decisive blow to Hezbollah. “There is a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity here; it’s time for brave decisions,” he said.

According to Marom, simply increasing the number of airstrikes or continuing the current pace of operations will not yield the long-term security that Israel needs. Instead, he called for a strategic shift to an offensive approach, targeting Hezbollah’s core military capabilities.

Call for a Ground Offensive

Marom’s most urgent recommendation was for Israel to launch a ground operation aimed at Hezbollah’s missile infrastructure. The group is known to possess a large arsenal of precise missiles capable of striking deep into Israel, including Tel Aviv.

Marom warned that if these missiles are not neutralized, they could pose an existential threat to Israeli cities. “Israel should strike against the precise missiles threatening Tel Aviv and conduct a ground operation,” he emphasized.

He urged the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to capitalize on Hezbollah’s weakened state by initiating a limited ground maneuver, pushing up to the Litani River in southern Lebanon, a region known to be a key Hezbollah stronghold.

“Israel should undertake a limited ground maneuver up to the Litani River; this is a mission the IDF can accomplish within two weeks,” Marom said, expressing confidence in the military’s ability to carry out the operation swiftly and efficiently.

“This is an opportunity we cannot miss,” he reiterated, stressing that Israel has a brief window to act before Hezbollah regroups or receives additional support from Iran.

International Support and Armaments Crucial

Marom also highlighted the importance of securing international backing, particularly from the United States, in any potential escalation. He emphasized that Israel’s success in such a military operation would be heavily dependent on the armaments provided by the Biden administration.

“The issue of armaments is crucial for the Air Force, which is starting to attack and also needs deterrence against the Iranians to prevent their involvement in this attack,” he explained.

In addition to armaments, Marom noted that political support from the White House could deter Iran from fully entering the conflict, thereby limiting the scope of the escalation.

He emphasized that Hezbollah is deeply reliant on Iranian support and that the group’s current vulnerability could prompt Tehran to reconsider its involvement.

Doubts About Israeli Leadership’s Resolve

While Marom expressed confidence in the capabilities of the IDF, he voiced concerns about the ability of Israel’s political leadership to make the bold decisions necessary to capitalize on the moment.

“The security establishment understands this. Are the Prime Minister and the cabinet capable of making such a brave decision? I have my doubts,” he said, questioning whether Israel’s current leadership has the resolve to launch a ground offensive that could alter the balance of power in the region.

Marom warned that if Israeli leadership fails to act decisively, the country could face a prolonged conflict. “A unique opportunity has arisen with Hezbollah on the ropes. If [Israeli leadership is incapable of making a brave decision], the escalation cycles will continue, and we will enter a war of attrition – which is what the Iranians want.”

Hezbollah’s Weakened State and Nasrallah’s Isolation

One of Marom’s central arguments was that Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is now more isolated than ever within the organization. He described how the group’s leadership has been severely compromised, with many of Nasrallah’s top commanders either killed or incapacitated in recent Israeli strikes.

“Nasrallah is almost alone,” Marom emphasized, adding that Israel should not view Nasrallah as the primary target but instead focus on dismantling the military infrastructure that supports him.

“Think about a terrorist organization leader when all of his operational beehive is no longer there,” Marom said, describing Nasrallah’s current predicament.

He also noted that Iran has sent a response delegation to Beirut, signaling Tehran’s concern over Hezbollah’s weakening position.

“The Iranians sent a response delegation to Beirut, and [Nasrallah’s] response today is measured. They do not want an all-out war because they understand the situation Hezbollah is in.”

The Time for Bold Action

Marom concluded his interview with a stark warning: if Israel does not take advantage of the current situation in Lebanon, it risks losing a unique opportunity to significantly weaken Hezbollah for generations.

He argued that the IDF is fully prepared for the task, with decisive divisions positioned along the northern border, ready to launch a ground offensive if given the order.

“The IDF is capable of this, and its decisive divisions on the border are ready,” he concluded. “We need to make a brave decision in these hours that will create a different reality that we have been hoping for for an entire year.”

As tensions continue to rise on Israel’s northern border, Marom’s call for decisive action echoes the concerns of many in the Israeli military establishment, who fear that without a bold offensive, Israel may face another prolonged conflict with Hezbollah and its Iranian backers.