Best BICOMs Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 282 | Approaching elections with the Israeli right 31:34

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21d ago31:34

31:34

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Javor as they look ahead to the 2026 Knesset election. Javor who broadly reflects a right-wing perspective explains how Israeli politics has shifted towards the right and examines the electoral challenges facing Likud and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The conversation also reviews the role of the ult…

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Episode 281 | Trump’s year in the Middle East 35:37

28d ago35:37

35:37

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Paris, who outlines how Trump’s personalised diplomacy has reshaped regional dynamics. They discuss Trump’s relationships with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the new Syrian leadership. Jonathan also explains the US and Israeli strategy towards Iran and reflects on Yemen, Hezbollah, and the rise …

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Episode 280 | Countering AI misinformation 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

In this episode, recorded during BICOM briefing, Tal Hagin presents his VIST method for identifying AI generated misinformation, and discusses the use of AI in psychological operations and information warfare. Tal also outlines how AI-driven manipulation is reshaping conflict reporting and what can be done to counter deception with case studies fro…

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Episode 279 | Will the ceasefire with Hezbollah hold? 32:05

1M ago32:05

32:05

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Orna Mizrahi about where things stand a year after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, examining Hezbollah’s military recovery, the evolving Iranian role, the state of Lebanon’s political leadership, and whether a renewed round of conflict is becoming more likely. Orna Mizrahi served for …

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Episode 278 | Inside Israeli diplomacy at the UN 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Harounoff Israel’s Spokesperson to the United Nations. They discuss relations with the UK and other missions, combatting anti-Israeli prejudice including the debate over recognition of Palestinian statehood, and the next steps for the international stabilisation effort in Gaza. Jonathan was born i…

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Episode 277 | Iran. What next? 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

In this episode, recorded live in London, Richard Pater speaks with Andrea Stricker and Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) about Iran’s nuclear, missile, and regional threat landscape five months after the Twelve-Day War and the snapback sanctions. Together, they discuss the whereabouts and condition of Iran’s h…

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Episode 276 | Saudi perspective on normalisation 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

In this episode, recorded during a BICOM media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Najah Alotaibi and Dr Efrat Sopher about the prospects for Saudi–Israeli normalisation following the Gaza War. They discuss how Saudi Arabia’s social and educational reforms are reshaping public attitudes toward Israel. They also relate to the growing empowerment…

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Episode 275 | Inside Iran’s IRGC shadow network 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

In this episode, recorded during a BICOM media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan W. Hackett about the global reach of Iran’s intelligence and covert operations. Jonathan explains how the IRGC’s external apparatus evolved after 2009, outlines the shift from professionalised intelligence structures to more erratic and decentralised operat…

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Episode 274 | Behind the scenes of the Abraham Accords 38:55

3M ago38:55

38:55

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Shiri Fein-Grossman about the evolution of the Abraham Accords on their five-year anniversary. Shiri reflects on the foundations of Israel’s normalisation with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. She outlines the mechanics that made the accords resilient through conflict and di…

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Episode 273 | Exploring phase two of the Trump plan 29:30

3M ago29:30

29:30

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Lianne Pollak-David about the remaining challenges following the release of all living hostages and President Trump’s multilateral summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Lianne outlines the debate over establishing an international Arab security force in Gaza, and the regional shift t…

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Episode 272 | Surviving October 7 at the Nova Festival 22:13

3M ago22:13

22:13

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Natalie Sanandaji, a New Yorker and survivor of the Nova Festival, who recounts her harrowing experience of that morning, from waking up to the sound of rockets to escaping Hamas terrorists on foot for hours. Natalie also discusses her work with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, her efforts to build allian…

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Episode 271 | Hezbollah one year after Operation Northern Arrows 50:24

3M ago50:24

50:24

In this episode, we share a recording of a BICOM media briefing led by Richard Pater with Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi, marking one year since Operation Northern Arrows in Lebanon. Sarit delivered a detailed assessment of Hezbollah’s capacity and capabilities, Israel’s campaign to degrade the organisation, and the challenges of the post-ceasefire e…

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Episode 270 | How Hamas surprised Israel on October 7 31:15

4M ago31:15

31:15

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Yaakov Katz about his latest book While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East, co-authored with Amir Bohbot. They discuss the events of 7th October, the failures within Israel’s political and security establishments and the lessons Israel must draw to prevent such…

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Episode 269 | How Israel is reshaping the Middle East 55:22

4M ago55:22

55:22

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Edmund Fitton-Brown about Israel’s recent strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas leaders in Doha. They discuss the effectiveness of Israel’s operations, the role of Iran, and the reaction across the Gulf. Edmund also assesses the UK’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN, its implications…

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Episode 268 | Reflections on unilateral recognition 33:41

5M ago33:41

33:41

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky about the UK’s recent announcement on recognising a Palestinian state, the dynamics around the humanitarian aid, and the prospects for a hostage deal. Michal assesses the role of Egypt as a mediator and the challenges posed by Hamas. Dr Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky is a senior adv…

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Episode 267 | A British assessment of Israeli military strategy and doctrine 25:09

5M ago25:09

25:09

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Lynette Nusbacher about the history of Israeli military strategy and doctrine, as well as how it has manifested itself in recent conflicts. She is a is a former British Army intelligence officer and worked on developing two of the UK’s National Security Strategies as part of Britain’s National Security…

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Episode 266 | An Israeli journalist visits Yemen 17:33

5M ago17:33

17:33

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Jonathan Spyer about his recent visit to Yemen, and prospects of an Arab-supported campaign to push the Houthis away from their coastal strongholds. Dr Jonathan Spyer is a British-Israeli analyst, writer, and journalist of Middle Eastern affairs. He is Director of Research at the Middle East Forum and …

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Episode 265 | The Druze under attack 38:41

6M ago38:41

38:41

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh about the escalating violence against the Druze community in southern Syria. Gadeer offers powerful insights into the nature of the attacks, the fractured post-Assad Syria and the complex identity, history and loyalty of the Druze minority. She also explores the role of Israel and the in…

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Episode 264 | What’s next for Iran’s proxies 24:33

6M ago24:33

24:33

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Jonathan Spyer about the aftermath of Iran’s regional setbacks and the evolving security picture in the Middle East. Dr Spyer offers first-hand insights from his recent trip to Yemen, assesses the trajectory of Iran’s proxy network post-Operation Rising Lion, and examines the implications of the Assad …

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Episode 263 | Crunch time in Gaza 26:08

6M ago26:08

26:08

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Oz Noy, a former senior security official, about Israel’s current strategy in Gaza and the prospects for a ceasefire with Hamas. In the conversation – recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM – Oz Noy unpacks the tension between Israel’s declared objective of dismantling Hamas and the parallel goa…

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Episode 262 | Where are we in the war in Gaza? 46:55

6M ago46:55

46:55

In this episode, Richard Pater speak with Professor Kobi Michael about the trajectory of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. In the conversation, recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM, Professor Michael outlines the emerging trilateral cooperation between Israel, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority, reflects on Qatari involvement, and d…

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Episode 261 | International Law in the Gaza War 43:26

6M ago43:26

43:26

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Amichai Cohen about the IDF’s conduct in the war against Hamas. They explore Israel’s approach to the rules of engagement, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and how Israel’s accountability mechanisms compare internationally. Professor Amichai Cohen is Professor of Law at Ono Academic College and …

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Episode 260 | Assessing Iran’s nuclear and missile losses 53:33

7M ago53:33

53:33

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu about the impact of Israel’s and the US’s recent strike on Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. In this conversation – recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM – Ben Taleblu assesses the scale of the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and explains why the strike may have…

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Episode 259 | Behind the strikes on Iran’s nuclear programme 29:36

7M ago29:36

29:36

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Helit Barel about Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. In this conversation – recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM – Barel explains the objectives and scope of the strike, how Israeli intelligence and Mossad operated with extraordinary precision on the ground in Iran, and th…

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Episode 258 | Yemen and the Houthis 38:49

7M ago38:49

38:49

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Edmund Fitton-Brown, former UK Ambassador to Yemen, about the evolving Houthi threat and its implications for Israel, the Gulf states, and the broader regional balance of power. They explore the role of the Houthis in Iran’s attempts to project power in the region and in ongoing talks about the Iranian nu…

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Episode 257 | An assessment of the UK–Israel relations 28:12

8M ago28:12

28:12

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Lynette Nusbacher about the future of UK–Israel relations, as viewed from a British strategic perspective. They explore how the Labour government’s evolving stance – including threats of sanctions and the suspension of trade talks – is reshaping bilateral ties, and what this means for defence, intellig…

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Episode 256 | Meet the Pope’s Angel of Peace 42:23

8M ago42:23

42:23

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with veteran journalist and Middle East expert Henrique Cymerman about his extraordinary 12-year relationship with Pope Francis. They discuss Cymerman’s unique role as an emissary between the Vatican and the Middle East, including organising the Pope’s historic visit to Israel, brokering interfaith peace initia…

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Episode 255 | Navigating the Iran nuclear talks 25:04

9M ago25:04

25:04

In this episode, Daniel Levy hosts Professor Chuck Freilich for a discussion on the current state of US-Iran nuclear negotiations and the broader strategic implications for Israel and the region. They explore how Donald Trump’s diplomatic posture shapes the unfolding talks and whether a viable deal is within reach. Professor Chuck Freilich is a for…

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Episode 254 | The Kurdish geopolitical struggle 33:39

9M ago33:39

33:39

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Ofra Bengio about the historical evolution and contemporary challenges of the Kurdish people across the Middle East. They discuss how being divided among four main states shaped Kurdish identity and delve into recent challenges, including the rise of the new Jolani regime in Syria. Professor Ofra…

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Episode 253 | Qatar and the rise of antisemitism in academia 29:00

10M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode, Richard Pater discusses with Professor Charles Asher Small the ideological and financial influence of Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood on Western academia, especially in the UK and the US. Professor Small outlines how Qatar’s soft power has contributed to the spread of antisemitism and anti-democratic values on university campuses …

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Episode 252 | Bridging Divides in the Middle East 41:22

10M ago41:22

41:22

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Tom Wegner, founder of the newly launched Center for Middle East Normalization. They discuss the center’s role in fostering civil society connections between Israel and pro-democracy, pro-peace groups across the region. Wegner shares insights from his experience in Israeli politics, military coordination wit…

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Episode 251 | Ben Gurion University of the Negev 33:08

11M ago33:08

33:08

In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Chaim Hames, the Rector of Ben Gurion University of the Negev. They discuss the horrific situation on campus following October 7th when, 88 members of the BGU community, students, staff, and family members, were murdered, and 6 students were taken hostage. One-third of the student body are ac…

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Episode 250 | Palestinian prisoners 35:40

11M ago35:40

35:40

In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks to Lt.-Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch about the release of Palestinian prisoners in the ceasefire deal, and the state of security in the West Bank. Lt-Col (res.) Hirsch served as Director of the Military Prosecution for Judea and Samaria. Since retiring from the IDF, Hirsch worked as the Head of Legal Strategie…

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Episode 249 | Trump's plans for the region 31:29

11M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President at the American Foreign Policy Council. The conversation was recorded as part of a live media briefing following Prime Minister Netanyahu's meeting with President Trump. They discuss a range of regional issues including Trump’s plan for Gaza and his likely approach towards I…

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Episode 248 | Surviving a suicide bus bombing 43:36

11M ago43:36

43:36

In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks to Sarri Singer. Sarri is the founder and director of Strength to Strength, a charity based in New York, established to bring survivors of terrorism and their families together globally to heal. After witnessing 9/11, Sarri moved to Israel and volunteered her time to help Israeli victims of terror attacks. …

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Episode 247 | Implementing the Gaza Ceasefire 37:51

12M ago37:51

37:51

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Lynette Nusbacher. Recorded hours before Israel and Hamas agreed to the US, Egyptian, and Qatari-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal on Wednesday, they discuss how it would be implemented as well as what future phases might be and the impact of the deal on the Israeli government. Dr Nusbacher is a former Brit…

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Episode 246 | Israel, Palestinians & the international arena 30:18

12M ago30:18

30:18

In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Gerald Steinberg. They discuss Israel hostage agreement with Hamas, and the concessions Israel will have to make. Professor Steinberg, with his broad expertise also shares his concerns over rising violence in the West Bank and the role humanitarian organisations play both inside Gaza and thei…

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Episode 245 | A view from the Knesset 40:06

12M ago40:06

40:06

In this episode Dr Amira Halperin speaks with MK Shelly Tal Meron. They discuss the prospects of a hostage deal, the displaced Israelis in northern and southern Israel. She also presents a vision for the day after the war end and the involvement of President Trump in the negotiations. MK Meron is a Yesh Atid MK and the co-Chair of the Israel-UK Par…

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Episode 244 | Regional roundup 31:06

1y ago31:06

31:06

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Jonathan Paris about the latest developments following the fall of Assad. They discuss the future of Syria and the role of Turkey and Iran plus the potential ramifications for Lebanon and Jordan. Jonathan also explores the potential strategy of the incoming Trump administration in relation to Iran. Jonathan …

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Episode 243 | Iran, its politics, and its regional influence 31:39

1y ago31:39

31:39

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Behnam Ben Taleblu about Iran, its internal politics, proxies and the future of the region under President Trump. Behnam Ben Taleblu is the senior director of FDD’s Iran Programme. Prior to his time at FDD, Behnam worked on non-proliferation issues at an arms control think tank in Washington. Behnam earned h…

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Episode 242 | Facing the charges of the ICC 31:18

1y ago31:18

31:18

In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Dr. Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky about the ICC, international lawfare, and the UN and UNRWA in Gaza. Dr. Hatuel-Radoshitzky is a senior adviser and programme director at Mind Israel and a founding member of the Dvora Forum. She is an adjunct lecturer at Tel Aviv University, where she earned her PhD.…

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Episode 241 | Trump and the Middle East 35:38

1y ago35:38

35:38

In this episode Richard Pater talks to Professor Jonathan Rynhold about the impact of Trumps's victory on the region. They explore the potential impact on the current fighting in Lebanon and Gaza as well the Iranian threat and the prospect of normalisation with Saudi Arabia. Professor Rynhold is the Head of the department of Political Studies and t…

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Episode 240 | Israeli – Jordanian relations 48:13

1y ago48:13

48:13

In this episode Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Joshua Krasna, ahead of the 30th anniversary of Israel – Jordan diplomatic ties. They discuss cooperation in the fields of energy and security whist political relations remain fraught. They also discuss the ramifications of the ongoing war, its effect on domestic Jordanian politics, Palestinian – Jordan…

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Episode 239 | Humanitarian Aid into Gaza 36:49

1+ y ago36:49

36:49

In this episode Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Dorit Nitzan. They discuss the mechanism of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as Israel works in coordination with international organisations including UNRWA. Professor Nitzan highlights the complexity of the mission that Israel has taken on since the beginning of the war. Professor Dorit Nitzan is a…

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Episode 238 | Insight into Lebanon 30:50

1+ y ago30:50

30:50

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Hagar Chemali about the current situation in Lebanon, including her assessment of the public’s view of Hezbollah. Hagar also shares her perspective on US regional policy and gives her prediction for the US presidential election. Chemali is a former US official, serving in various positions in the Obama admin…

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Episode 237 | Four Years of the Abraham Accords 33:52

1+ y ago33:52

33:52

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks to Dr Nir Boms about the 4th anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords. They discuss the state of the Accords, their potential for expansion, as well as current relations with Jordan and Egypt. Boms is a Research Fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University. He is the Chairman of the Syria R…

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Episode 236 | Iran's pending strike on Israel? 34:48

1+ y ago34:48

34:48

In this episode a day ahead of hostage release and ceasefire negotiations resuming in Qatar, Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Uzi Rabi. They discuss the possibility of an Iranian strike on Israel following Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran, as well as American attempts to prevent the outbreak of a catastrophic regional war. He also ar…

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Episode 235 | Netanyahu in the US 33:27

1+ y ago33:27

33:27

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Dr Guy Ziv. They discuss PM Netanyahu's recent visit to the US, his speech to Congress, and meetings with President Biden, VP Harris, and former President Trump. They also discuss the state of US-Israel ties, and his recent book, Netanyahu vs The Generals: The Battle for Israel's Future. Dr Guy Ziv is an ass…

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Episode 234 | Israel-Egypt Relations 35:45

1+ y ago35:45

35:45

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Egyptian analyst Haisan Hassanein. They discuss Israeli-Egyptian ties in the context of the operation in Rafah. Haisan shares his assessment of Egypt’s current relations with Palestinian factions and rivalries with other regional powers. Haisan was born and grew up in Egypt, before moving to the US. He is cu…

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Episode 233 | Escalation from Lebanon 29:47

1+ y ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi about the situation on Israel’s northern border and ongoing attacks by Hezbollah. Sarit describes what escalation along the border looks like for communities affected by Hezbollah's rocket fire. They also discuss Hezbollah’s presence not just in the south, but across Lebanon and …