A US counterterrorism expert explains the dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas – and why Hezbollah presents new risks for the US and other places globally.
“The conflict” the article is discussing is very clearly referring to the current war, and distinguishes this from previous shadow wars. The preamble also specifies the context of “the conflict.”
The Middle East is in much more volatile situation than it was even a year ago. This conflict has expanded far outside of fighting primarily between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict started before the current war.
“The conflict” the article is discussing is very clearly referring to the current war, and distinguishes this from previous shadow wars. The preamble also specifies the context of “the conflict.”