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Source: The Washington Institute |
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Israel and Lebanon share a border of only about 120 kilometers. But their relation has been marked by decades of conflict. What began as a border dispute became one of the most complex conflicts in the region. Today, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has once again pushed the two states toward a wider war. |
Origins of the conflict |
The roots of the conflict go back to the creation of Israel. The state was created in 1948 and led to a war. Lebanon stayed out of the first Arab-Israel war. But thousands of Palestinian refugees fled into Lebanon. Over time, Palestinian armed groups created bases in the south of Lebanon. They launched attacks into the north of Israel. In return, Israel led military operations across the border. This cycle of attacks and retaliation turned the south of Lebanon into a battlefield. |
The situation changed sharply in 1982 when Israel invaded Lebanon. The stated goal was to remove the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The latter had established a strong presence in the states. Israel forces advanced all the way to Beirut. They created a security zone in south Lebanon. Israel maintained a presence there for nearly two decades. |
One of the most important places during this period was Beaufort Castle. The castle is known locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif. It was built during the Crusader era. The fortress sits on a steep hill. It overlooks large parts of south Lebanon and north Israel. Because of that, it became a strategic site. Israel’s forces captured Beaufort Castle during the 1982 invasion. It held it until the withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000. The fortress became a symbol of both Israeli military power and Lebanese resistance. |
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The rise of Hezbollah |
During the occupation, a new armed group emerged. It was Hezbollah. Backed by Iran and Syria, it presented itself as a resistance force against Israel. In the 80s and 90s, Hezbollah carried out attacks against Israel’s troops and their local allies. |
When Israel withdrew from Lebanon, many saw it as a key victory for Hezbollah. The group's popularity increased. It became one of the most powerful actors in the state. But tensions with Israel did not disappear. |
In 2006, another big war broke out after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers during a raid. Israel responded with a large campaign. More than a thousand Lebanese and around 160 Israelis were killed. Large parts of south Lebanon were heavily damaged. The war ended without a clear winner. But both sides claimed success. |
For nearly two decades after that, the border remained relatively calm compared to previous years. But Hezbollah continued to expand its capabilities. With support from Iran, the group developed a large arsenal of rockets, missiles, drones, and other weapons. Israeli officials repeatedly warned that Hezbollah had become a much greater threat. |
The regional dynamics also changed. The civil war in Syria strengthened cooperation between Hezbollah and Iran. At the same time, Israel increased its efforts to prevent Iran’s expansion across the region. This opposition between Israel and Iran influenced events in Lebanon. |
Indeed, the ongoing war with Iran spilled over Lebanon. Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel to support Iran. The latter responded with air strikes and ground operations in south Lebanon. Despite ceasefire attempts, fighting has continued. Israel’s officials say they cannot accept Hezbollah's presence near the border. It is a threat for Israel. Hezbollah claims it is resisting an aggression and defending Lebanon. |
A strategic expansion for Israel |
A key event happened this weekend. Israel’s forces captured Beaufort Castle once again. It marked Israel's deepest push into Lebanon in more than twenty-five years. Israel said the fortress and surrounding ridge are strategic. They overlook key roads, villages, and military positions throughout the south of Lebanon. The capture also carried strong symbolic value because of the castle's role during previous conflicts. |
Terrible consequences for populations |
The impact for people has been severe. Thousands have been displaced from their homes in south Lebanon. Many communities in the north of Israel have also faced repeated attacks. Civilian casualties have continued to rise despite efforts aimed at restoring calm. Global actors, including the U.S., France, and the UN, have called for a durable ceasefire. But negotiations remain difficult. |
An uncertain future |
The future is uncertain. Israel seeks to weaken Hezbollah. It wants to create greater security along its border in the north. Hezbollah aims to preserve its capabilities and maintain its position as a key force in Lebanon. Meanwhile, ordinary civilians on both sides continue to pay the highest price. |
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