How does Israel’s Lebanon invasion compare with its previous operations-
As Israeli forces ramp up their latest military operation, it’s hard not to draw parallels with previous campaigns in Lebanon that ultimately failed to secure peace in northern Israel. Can you provide some insight into how this current operation stacks up against earlier ones?
Let’s take a look at Operation Litani in 1978. This operation was launched following the tragic coastal road massacre, where 35 Israeli civilians were killed by members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) who had crossed into Israel from Lebanon. The main goal was to neutralize PLO bases in southern Lebanon. At its height, about 25,000 Israeli troops, including significant divisions from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), were mobilized. However, engaging PLO fighters proved to be difficult, as they largely retreated. The campaign ended with an estimated 2,000 Lebanese and Palestinians killed and culminated in the establishment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Fast forward to 1982, when Operation Litani’s failure to restore peace led to continued clashes between the PLO and Israeli forces. This ongoing threat prompted then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin to launch Operation Peace for Galilee. Over 40,000 Israeli troops pushed into Lebanon in an attempt to dismantle Palestinian forces. However, this operation suffered catastrophic civilian casualties, resulting in 19,000 deaths, many of whom were civilians in Beirut. While the PLO was eventually forced to evacuate, the operation was marred by horrific events like the Sabra and Shatila massacre, leading to a Kahan Commission that found Israel indirectly responsible for the tragedy.
From 1982 until 2000, Israel occupied southern Lebanon in coordination with the Christian South Lebanon Army (SLA). Though the stated aim was to ensure safety for northern Israeli residents, the situation grew more complex as Hezbollah emerged as a dominant adversary against Israeli troops. This prolonged occupation came to an end in May 2000, with Hezbollah asserting itself as a key player in driving out the IDF.
The situation flared up again in 2006 during the Second Lebanon War, initiated by a Hezbollah operation that involved the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers. Even with an extensive air campaign and initial ground forces, Israel faced significant resistance from Hezbollah. The war ended without a definitive resolution and established a precarious environment, as UN resolution 1701—which aimed for disarmament—was never truly enforced.
Now, as we see the conflict unfold since October 2023, Hezbollah has begun launching retaliatory strikes in response to Hamas’s assault on southern Israel. With rising political pressure for security in northern Israel and the return of displaced citizens, Israel’s military response has targeted Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure. This escalation leads us to wonder about the scope of the current operation and whether it can achieve more favorable results than past efforts. As casualties in Lebanon exceed 2,000 since the conflict reignited, what are your thoughts on how this situation might develop in light of its historical context?
