With Israel appearing to expand its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, targeting the group's financial networks, the US is increasingly concerned that the conflict has “escalated out of control”, with top officials calling for the enforcement of a UN resolution that ended the previous major war between them in 2006. At the same time, there is renewed concern that the war is fueling Lebanon’s sectarian tensions, threatening the balance between Lebanon’s three main religious groups. Sean Mathews, a journalist for the Middle East Eye covering the Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans, joins Thanos Davelis to break down how this evolving conflict is impacting Lebanon and the region. 

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

How the US dived into a war to reshape Lebanon's balance of power

Beirut divided: Israeli strikes fuel Lebanon’s sectarian tensions

Lebanon assesses the damage after Israel strikes Hezbollah-linked banks

U.S. Tries to End War in Lebanon That Biden Envoy Calls ‘Out of Control’

Erdogan’s nationalist ally suggests parole for imprisoned Kurdish leader Ocalan

IMF raises forecast for Cyprus’ economic growth