Why are Israel and Lebanon at war?

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon, particularly involving Hezbollah, is rooted in a complex history of territorial disputes, political tensions, and military confrontations. Here are the key factors contributing to the ongoing hostilities:

Historical Context

1. 1948 Arab-Israeli War: Lebanon participated in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War following the establishment of the State of Israel. Although Lebanon's involvement was limited, it marked the beginning of a long-standing conflict between the two nations 3 10.
2. Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990): The Lebanese Civil War saw the rise of various militias, including Hezbollah, which was formed with the support of Iran to resist Israeli influence and occupation in southern Lebanon 3 8.
3. Israeli Invasions: Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978 and again in 1982, aiming to expel the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and later Hezbollah from southern Lebanon. These invasions led to prolonged Israeli occupation and the establishment of a security zone in southern Lebanon until 2000 3 5 13.

Key Conflicts

1. 2006 Lebanon War: The 2006 conflict was triggered by a cross-border raid by Hezbollah, which resulted in the abduction of two Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with a massive military campaign targeting Hezbollah positions and Lebanese infrastructure. The war lasted 34 days, causing significant casualties and destruction on both sides 1 5 15.
2. Ongoing Skirmishes: Since the 2006 war, there have been numerous skirmishes and exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). These incidents often involve rocket attacks, airstrikes, and border clashes, contributing to a state of persistent tension 2 4 6 9 11.

Recent Developments

1. Escalation Since October 2023: Tensions have escalated significantly since October 2023, following a major attack by Hamas on Israel. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has increased its attacks on Israeli positions, leading to fears of a broader regional conflict 2 4 6 11 16.
2. Military Preparations: Both Israel and Hezbollah have been preparing for potential large-scale conflict. Israel has approved new offensive plans against Lebanon, while Hezbollah has been enhancing its military capabilities with advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles 2 6 11 12.
3. Humanitarian Impact: The ongoing conflict has caused significant displacement and humanitarian crises on both sides of the border. Thousands of civilians have been evacuated, and there have been numerous casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure 2 4 9 18.

Diplomatic Efforts

1. International Mediation: Various international actors, including the United States and the United Nations, have been involved in efforts to mediate and de-escalate the conflict. However, achieving a lasting peace has been challenging due to the deep-rooted issues and mutual distrust between the parties 7 11 16.
2. UN Resolutions: United Nations Security Council Resolutions, such as Resolution 1701, have called for ceasefires and the disarmament of Hezbollah, but these measures have had limited success in preventing further hostilities 1 13 15.

Conclusion

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon is driven by a combination of historical grievances, territorial disputes, and the strategic interests of regional and international powers. The situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for potential escalation while international efforts continue to seek a diplomatic resolution.