Hezbollah’s state-backed entrenchment in Venezuela and the breakdown of U.S.-Colombia relations have turned Latin America into a volatile new front in Washington’s counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, and great-power competition strategy.

The Axis of Resistance is signaling coordinated intent to escalate against Israel and the U.S., portraying unity and readiness not as defensive postures, but as prelude to renewed war.

Hezbollah’s cease-fire violation and Israeli retaliation mark a dangerous escalation in an already fragile truce, further destabilized by Syrian rebel advances, Iranian vulnerabilities, and shifting U.S. policies under President-elect Trump.

Israel's strategic response to the escalating Middle East conflict with Iran will likely involve targeted strikes on Iranian infrastructure, covert operations against military leaders, and continued military pressure on Hezbollah, all while managing diplomatic and regional risks to avoid a broader war.

Israel’s covert operation targeting Hezbollah’s communication network has dealt a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities, marking a strategic shift in the long-standing conflict.