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Journal VOL. 4 NO. 1, June. 2025, ISSN: 2714 - 4054

 

The Growing escalation of the Arab-Isreal conflict in Lebanon and the Prospect for Peace in the Middle East

Abdulrasheed Abdulyakeen, Nurain Abayomi Mumuni

 

ABSTRACT

The growing escalation of the Arab-Israeli conflict in Lebanon represents a renewed and dangerous chapter in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with serious implications for regional peace and security. Historically rooted in ideological, territorial, and religious disputes, the resurgence of hostilities particularly between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has heightened fears of a broader regional war. Despite numerous international peace efforts and ceasefire agreements, the persistent volatility in Lebanon underscores a critical research gap: the lack of effective, sustainable strategies to manage sub-state actors and proxy dynamics within the larger Arab-Israeli conflict. This study aims to examine the underlying factors driving the recent intensification of conflict in Lebanon and assess its impact on the broader prospects for peace in the Middle East. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing document analysis of policy papers, conflict databases, UN reports, media accounts, and expert interviews. A regional conflict theory framework was applied to analyze the role of external actors, such as Iran, the United States, and Gulf States, and their influence on the evolving conflict. Findings reveal that the escalation is fueled by a combination of Hezbollah’s militarization, Israeli pre-emptive strategies, and the vacuum created by Lebanon’s internal political paralysis. Furthermore, the conflict has deepened sectarian divisions and weakened diplomatic channels, thus undermining regional peace efforts. The study concludes that without addressing the root causes of Lebanon’s internal instability and the external power struggles that exploit it, peace in the Middle East will remain elusive. It recommends renewed multilateral diplomacy, stronger UN peacekeeping mandates, and inclusive negotiations involving non-state actors as essential steps toward sustainable peace in the region.

Keywords: Middle East, Israeli-Palestinian Relations, Regional Stability, Geopolitical Tensions, Lebanese Sovereignty.

 

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