After the pager and walkie-talkie attacks last week, Israel has scaled up its air strikes in southern Lebanon.  So, as its fight against Hezbollah intensifies could it go further by sending in ground troops?  Today, Dov Waxman, a professor of Israel Studies at the University of California on Israel’s goals and what might come next.   Professor Waxman explains that the recent escalation is a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.  This low-intensity war has been ongoing since October 8th, following the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel.  Waxman notes that Hezbollah’s actions are in solidarity with Hamas, as part of the Iran-backed axis of resistance.  He says Israel’s goal is not to destroy Hezbollah but to push its forces away from the border. The professor also warns of the potential for this conflict to escalate into a regional war. Featured:  Dov Waxman, Professor of Israel Studies at the University of California and the chair of the Nazarian Centre for Israel Studies Key Topics: Israel air strikes Hezbollah conflict Southern Lebanon Axis of resistance Iran Middle East war