Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 09/2008

PolicyWatch #1276: Hizballah's 'Big Surprise' and the Litani Line

Andrew Exum

August 2007

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abstract

On August 14, the anniversary of the end of last summer's Lebanon war, Hizballah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel of a "big surprise" if it initiated a new conflict in the South. Analysts immediately began speculating over the nature of the promised surprise. But what is most important to note is that Hizballah, a year after its last war, is making serious preparations for the next one.