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Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Monday resulted in at least 492 fatalities, including 35 children, marking the deadliest day of violence since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Monday resulted in at least 492 fatalities, including 35 children, marking the deadliest day of violence since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. The conflict has now expanded to involve Hezbollah, worsening the situation to its most severe point in nearly a year.
Thousands of families in Lebanon have been displaced, with no signs of the war diminishing. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah is rooted in a violent history spanning over four decades.
Hezbollah’s emergence and its violent conflict with Israel can be traced back to June 1982, when Israel invaded Lebanon in retaliation for attacks by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) based in the south. Israel’s occupation extended to the center of Beirut, besieging the PLO and ultimately forcing its withdrawal.
However, Israel’s ongoing presence and the atrocities committed by its allies, particularly the Sabra and Shatila massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 2,000 to 3,500 Palestinian refugees and Lebanese civilians, fueled the resistance movement.
Among the groups that emerged in response was Hezbollah, initially established by Shia Muslim leaders with Iranian support. Representing the marginalized Shia population, Hezbollah rapidly grew into a formidable militia, drawing significant recruits from disaffected youth in the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley.
* 1983-1985: Bloodshed and Resistance
Between 1982 and 1986, Hezbollah and its affiliated groups were implicated in various attacks on foreign forces stationed in Lebanon. The most notable incident was the October 1983 bombing of French and American military barracks in Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of over 300 peacekeepers.
Although claimed by the Islamic Jihad group, many believed Hezbollah orchestrated the attack. By 1985, Hezbollah had strengthened enough to compel the Israeli military to withdraw from most of southern Lebanon. However, Israel retained a “security zone” along the border, which was monitored by its Christian-dominated proxy, the South Lebanon Army (SLA).
* 1992-1996: Hezbollah’s Political Rise
After the conclusion of Lebanon’s civil war in 1992, Hezbollah evolved into a significant political entity, securing eight seats in the 128-member parliament. Its influence expanded over the years, both politically and militarily, particularly by providing extensive social services in Shia-majority regions.
Simultaneously, Hezbollah’s resistance against Israeli forces persisted. In 1993, Israel initiated “Operation Accountability” in response to Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel, resulting in a brief yet intense conflict that claimed the lives of 118 Lebanese civilians. Violence flared once more in 1996 with “Operation Grapes of Wrath,” as Israel sought to suppress Hezbollah’s activities.
* 2000-2006: Israeli Withdrawal and the July War
In May 2000, Israel unilaterally withdrew from southern Lebanon after nearly two decades of occupation—a decision largely credited to Hezbollah’s persistent resistance. This triumph established Hezbollah not only as a militia but also as a significant political force in Lebanon and a symbol of Arab defiance against Israel.
Tensions escalated dramatically in 2006 when Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers, triggering the July War. The ensuing 34-day conflict resulted in substantial casualties, with approximately 1,200 Lebanese and 158 Israelis losing their lives.
* 2009-2024: Regional Conflict
By 2009, Hezbollah had evolved beyond a militia or resistance movement, establishing itself as the dominant military and political force in Lebanon. This power was notably displayed during the Syrian civil war, beginning in 2012, when Hezbollah intervened in support of the Assad regime. Although this move alienated some Arab support, it strengthened its alliance with Iran and enhanced its combat experience.
The Gaza war of 2023 marked a significant escalation, pulling Hezbollah back into direct conflict with Israel. Following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel in October 2023, Hezbollah intensified hostilities by launching rocket attacks from Lebanon, leading to retaliatory strikes from Israel.
