What are the reasons behind the conflict between Lebanon and Israel

 

Lebanon and Israel are not in a state of official war; however, the relationship between Israel and the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah, which operates from Lebanon, has resulted in multiple conflicts throughout the years, with the 2006 war being particularly significant. The underlying reasons for these tensions are intricate, encompassing a range of historical, political, territorial, and religious elements.

 Essential Elements Contributing to the Conflict:

Hezbollah is a Shiite political and militant organization located in Lebanon, known for its opposition to the existence of Israel and its support for the Palestinian cause. The group maintains significant connections with Iran and Syria, functioning as a quasi-state within Lebanon. Israel  has engaged in numerous confrontations with Hezbollah, including cross-border incursions and missile strikes. Israel perceives Hezbollah as a substantial security threat, particularly in light of the group's military enhancements in southern Lebanon.

 Historical Antagonism

Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, the relationship between Lebanon and Israel has been characterized by hostility. At that time, Lebanon, similar to the majority of Arab nations, refused to recognize Israel and participated in the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict alongside other Arab countries. Over the years, Lebanon evolved into a stronghold for Palestinian guerrilla factions, which responded to Israeli attacks originating from Israeli territory.

 Israeli incursion of 1982

In 1982, Israel launched an invasion of Lebanon with the objective of eradicating the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) following a series of attacks in northern Israel. Israel maintained control over southern Lebanon for several years, encountering significant resistance, particularly from Hezbollah, which emerged as a formidable force during this period. Although the Israeli occupation concluded in 2000, Hezbollah continued to justify its military presence in southern Lebanon by asserting the necessity of defending against Israeli aggression.

 Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006

In July 2006, a significant conflict arose when Hezbollah executed a cross-border operation, resulting in the capture of two Israeli soldiers. In retaliation, Israel launched extensive airstrikes and initiated a ground invasion with the objective of dismantling Hezbollah's military strength. The hostilities persisted for 34 days, leading to substantial devastation in Lebanon and considerable loss of life on both sides. Although the conflict concluded with a ceasefire facilitated by the United Nations, a durable peace was not established, and tensions have continued to linger.

Regional conflicts

Unresolved territorial disputes continue to exist, particularly concerning the Shebaa Farms area, a narrow strip of land that Lebanon claims as its own, yet has remained under Israeli occupation since 1967. Israel utilizes this dispute to justify its continued military operations.

Regional Interactions

The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are significantly shaped by wider regional factors, especially the competition between Iran, which backs Hezbollah, and Israel. Hezbollah serves as a representative of Iranian interests within the region, and any increase in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah is frequently perceived as a component of the broader conflict between Israel and Iran.

Current Status

Despite the absence of a formal peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel, and the ongoing threat posed by Israel to Hezbollah, a full-scale war is not currently underway. Nevertheless, tensions often escalate, especially along the border between Lebanon and Israel, where even minor incidents could ignite a more significant conflict. The situation remains precarious, with both parties cautious of engaging in an all-out war; however, the potential for escalation persists due to entrenched animosities and the complexities of regional dynamics.