The History of the Lebanese-Israeli Conflict: A Comprehensive Overview

The Lebanese-Israeli conflict is one of the most enduring and complicated conflicts in the Middle East. Spanning decades, it has been shaped by the region's geopolitical dynamics, religious tensions, and the legacy of colonialism. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the history of the Lebanese-Israeli conflict, from its origins to the current situation.

Ambulances are surrounded by people at the entrance of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, on September 17, 2024, after Hezbollah members' paging devices exploded simultaneously across Lebanon in what a source close to the movement said was an 'Israeli breach' of its communications [Anwar Amro/ AFP]

The Origins of the Lebanese-Israeli Conflict

The roots of the Lebanese-Israeli conflict are deep and complex, woven into the fabric of the modern Middle East’s post-colonial history. The conflict finds its genesis in the early 20th century, shaped by the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of new national identities.

The Formation of Modern Lebanon and Israel

Lebanon and Israel’s formation as modern states can be traced back to the end of World War I when the Ottoman Empire collapsed, and European colonial powers, particularly France and Britain, assumed control over the region.

French Mandate and British Influence

Lebanon was placed under the French mandate, which sought to establish a Christian-dominated state, reflecting France’s interests in the region. Meanwhile, Britain controlled Palestine, where Jewish migration was increasing due to the Zionist movement. The creation of Israel in 1948, following the British withdrawal and the UN partition plan, laid the groundwork for what would become a contentious and violent struggle for territorial control and identity.

Post-Colonial Struggles for Identity and Territory

With the creation of Israel, tensions between the new Jewish state and its Arab neighbors, including Lebanon, escalated. Lebanon, with its delicate sectarian balance, was wary of being drawn into broader Arab-Israeli conflicts. However, the influx of Palestinian refugees following Israel’s independence, coupled with Lebanon’s participation in the Arab-Israeli War, drew the country into the fray.

An elderly Palestinian refugee wanders through the town of Sabra, in West Beirut, on August 2, 1982, amid extensive destruction caused by a 14-hour bombardment by the Israeli forces the previous day [AP Photo]

The Evolution of the Lebanese-Israeli Conflict

The Lebanese-Israeli conflict evolved over the years as regional dynamics shifted, largely influenced by the broader Arab-Israeli struggle, the Cold War, and local political instability.

Lebanese Civil War and Its Regional Impact

Lebanon plunged into a civil war in 1975, a conflict that lasted until 1990 and significantly altered the course of the Lebanese-Israeli relationship. While initially an internal conflict, it soon became a proxy battlefield for various external powers, including Israel, Syria, and the United States, each of whom sought to exert influence in Lebanon.

Israel's Role in the Lebanese Civil War

Israel's involvement in the Lebanese Civil War was multifaceted. The Israeli government initially provided support to Christian militias in Lebanon, seeing them as a bulwark against Palestinian and Muslim factions. Israel’s most direct intervention, however, came in 1982, when it launched a full-scale invasion of Lebanon.

1982 Lebanon War and the Siege of Beirut

In 1982, Israel invaded southern Lebanon, ostensibly to eliminate the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) based there, which had been launching attacks on northern Israel. The invasion led to the siege of Beirut, during which the city was bombarded, resulting in massive destruction and loss of life. The conflict also marked the beginning of Israel's long occupation of southern Lebanon, a factor that would fuel future hostilities between the two countries.

Syrian Involvement and its Complications

Syria’s involvement in Lebanon further complicated the conflict. Damascus had long considered Lebanon within its sphere of influence and sent troops into Lebanon in 1976 under the guise of stabilizing the civil war. Syrian forces remained in Lebanon for nearly 30 years, only leaving in 2005. Their presence had a profound impact on the dynamics of the Lebanese-Israeli conflict, as Syria backed various factions within Lebanon, including Hezbollah, an organization that would emerge as a major force in the conflict with Israel.

Hezbollah's Emergence and the Ongoing Struggle

The Rise of Hezbollah: A New Player in the Conflict

The rise of Hezbollah in the early 1980s marked a significant shift in the Lebanese-Israeli conflict. Founded in response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, Hezbollah positioned itself as a resistance movement, combining guerrilla tactics with political and social outreach. Backed by Iran and Syria, Hezbollah grew into a powerful military and political organization within Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s Ideology and Support from Iran and Syria

Hezbollah’s ideology is rooted in Shia Islamism, with strong ties to the Iranian Revolution. The organization receives substantial support from Iran in the form of funding, weapons, and training, and from Syria, which provides logistical backing. Hezbollah’s commitment to the destruction of Israel and its military capability have made it a central actor in the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Occupation of Southern Lebanon

Israel maintained an occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 until 2000, during which time it faced constant attacks from Hezbollah. The occupation was deeply unpopular within Lebanon and served to bolster Hezbollah’s position as a defender of Lebanese sovereignty. Israel’s eventual withdrawal in 2000 was hailed as a victory for Hezbollah and solidified the group’s role as a major player in Lebanon’s political landscape.

The 2006 Lebanon War: A Major Escalation

The conflict reached a critical point in 2006 when Hezbollah launched a cross-border raid into Israel, capturing two Israeli soldiers. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military assault on Lebanon, leading to a month-long war that resulted in widespread destruction and thousands of casualties on both sides. While a UN-brokered ceasefire eventually ended the fighting, the war demonstrated the enduring volatility of the Lebanese-Israeli conflict.

Destruction, Casualties, and International Response

The 2006 Lebanon War left much of Lebanon’s infrastructure in ruins, particularly in the southern regions and Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Hezbollah was strongest. Civilian casualties were high, and international actors, including the United Nations, intervened to broker a ceasefire. The war also prompted international condemnation of both Israel’s military actions and Hezbollah’s tactics, particularly the firing of rockets into civilian areas.

Ceasefires and Continued Skirmishes

Since the 2006 war, the Lebanese-Israeli border has remained tense, with periodic skirmishes and rocket attacks punctuating periods of relative calm. While both Israel and Hezbollah have largely adhered to the 2006 ceasefire, the underlying tensions remain unresolved, and the potential for future conflict persists.