"A drive up from Metula to the river cuts Southern Lebanon off from Syria, and puts the HEZ in an untenable position where they either run, or die in place without support."
I believe this is the ultimate goal. If you look at a map, that is the place to make the move. Most analysts believe that Hizbullah is stronger than the Syrian Army and the Syrian Army would not stand a chance against the IDF.
That's my thought...
If Israel follows through, the Hez's are toast, and Syria/Ran lose MAJOR face, and a major client...
Most analysts believe that Hizbullah is stronger than the Syrian Army and the Syrian Army would not stand a chance against the IDF.
This is comparing apples and oranges, the IDF would tear up both organizations given the latitude to do so. But the Syrian Army could make life substantially more uncomfortable than Hizbullah ever could. Those Kaytushas are pesky, but Syrian long range arty batteries could target northern israeli communites in the Metula, Dan, Kirat Shoma area and put a lot more steel on target. Similarly, their long range missiles have a lot bigger warheads (even wmd equipped) and are much more accurate and can cover more of Israel than Hizbullah's arsenal.