EXCLUSIVE – Arab Intelligence Official: Chances of Hezbollah-Israel Conflict Rise Amid Escalating Syria Conflict

The risk of a military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah has become significantly greater over the past few weeks, an Arab intelligence official told Breitbart Jerusalem.

The recent gains clinched on the Syrian battlefield by Hezbollah and its allies, Bashar al Assad’s army, and Iran, have greatly contributed to the chances of spillover to Israel’s northern border, he said.

“It’s unclear whether it’s just weeks away or more, but intelligence agencies in the region work under the assumption that a new round of violence between Israel and Hezbollah is just a matter of time,” he said. “We believe it will be in the coming year, though it is yet unclear what will be the trigger.”

He said that the gains in Aleppo have increased Hezbollah’s appetite despite the blows it had been delivered, and that the Shi’ite militia will strive to further increase its gains in Syria and, prospectively, vis-à-vis Israel.

“Hezbollah is accused today of wreaking havoc in Syria and of doing Iran’s bidding in sowing divisions in the Arab world, especially between Sunnis and Shi’ites,” he said. “To prove that they’re still a resistance organization, and that its DNA is a fight against Israel, it will try to create a new reality. Since it holds no prisoners to claim a swap deal, it will instigate tension around the [disputed territory of] Sheba Farms.”

The official also said that the fact that Hezbollah fought on Russia’s side will not be useful in any war that unfolds on Lebanese territory. “As long as Russian interests are unharmed and Israel restricts its retaliation to Lebanon, which is the likely scenario, nothing would affect Israeli-Russian relations, and certainly not lead to a Russian-Israeli confrontation.”