A diplomatic resolution is the only measure that will stop tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, MSU professors say.
The conflict between Israel and Lebanon is a result of extremist groups who deny Israel's right to exist as a nation, said Gordon Stewart, a professor of history at MSU. The Lebanese government lost control of its southern region where Hezbollah now rules, he said.
It's hard for the Lebanese government to condemn Hezbollah while the fighting continues, Stewart said and added that international pressure for a cease fire may speed the resolution process.
"They are going to have to come with another diplomatic settlement; it can't be solved by war," Stewart said.
Barry Stein, professor of political science, said the diplomatic agreement will probably have to involve many different parties, including Iran, Syria, European nations and the United States.
"There has always been tension, but Israel has pulled out of Lebanon completely a half dozen years ago, so it's surprising," Stein said. "Chances are it will be a mess for a few months and then quiet down."
With the death toll continuing to climb, Michael Rubner, professor emeritus of international relations at James Madison College and Israeli-Arab-Palestinian conflict expert, said the fighting represents a lack of good leadership on both sides.
"It's very regrettable ... so many human and physical resources are being spent and destroyed," Rubner said.
He said he thinks the fighting will last only a few more days, and essentially Hezbollah will be removed from southern Lebanon.
"Israel has a much superior military machine, so it's an uneven contest," he said. "(Hezbollah is) not going to achieve any of their political or military objectives; they are simply too weak. I describe it as a contest between David and Goliath, where Goliath wins."
But the implications of the conflict could carry beyond the Israel and Lebanon border.
"Hopefully the Lebanese government is going to (take) control over the southern region they don't control and send a message to Iraq and Syria," Rubner said. The breakout is a result of a greater conflict between Israelis and the Palestinians, who Hezbollah sides with in denying the legitimacy of the Israeli state, he said.
"It's always the innocent who pay the highest price. Hopefully the bloodshed will stop sooner rather than later," he said. "On the battlefield you don't resolve much at all — you just create a lot of pain."
