This week has been the deadliest for Lebanon in decades after sustained air strikes by Israel. Fears are growing for an all-out war between the two sides as the Israeli Defence Forces prepare for a possible ground incursion. It says its targeting Iran-backed Hizbullah and its arsenal of weapons. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the militant group has hidden missiles and rocket launchers in ordinary homes and has warned Lebanese civilians to leave if they want to save their lives. But who or what exactly is Hizbullah, why is Israel attacking its northern neighbour and where does this fit into the broader geopolitical tensions of the region? Sky News' Middle East correspondent, Alistair Bunkall, joins Bernice Harrison to explain the origin story of the Lebanese militia and political movement.

Produced by Aideen Finnegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.