Robert Patman: Otago University Professor for International Relations on Israel launching a ground offensive into Lebanon - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Hostilities are running high - and fear's rising for the future - as Israel launches a ground offensive into southern Lebanon. 

Lebanon says Israeli attacks in the past two weeks have already killed more than a thousand people. 

Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman says the recent pummelling of Hezbollah has severely degraded the militant group.

He says backing from the US is helping Israel keep the upper hand over resistance groups. 

"But also - the loss of civilians in Lebanon, as well as the loss of civilians in Gaza, is fuelling anti-Israeli feelings which are going to have long-term consequences." 

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