The 2006 Israel-Lebanon War

The 2006 Israel-Lebanon War, also known as the July War, was a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group based in Lebanon. The war lasted from July 12 to August 14, 2006, and was triggered by a cross-border raid by Hezbollah on Israeli forces, resulting in the capture of two Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on northern Israel.

Key Elements of the Conflict:

Hezbollah's Role: Hezbollah played a central role in the conflict, operating from southern Lebanon and launching rockets at Israeli towns. It was well-equipped with Iranian and Syrian weapons and used guerrilla warfare tactics against Israeli forces.

Israeli Military Actions: Israel's military campaign focused on airstrikes against Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in Lebanon, including Beirut. A ground invasion followed, aimed at pushing Hezbollah back from the border.

Civilians Caught in the Conflict: The war led to significant civilian casualties and destruction on both sides. Lebanon suffered extensive damage to its infrastructure, while Israeli towns were hit by Hezbollah's rockets. Around 1,200 Lebanese and 160 Israelis died in the conflict.

International Involvement: The United Nations, the U.S., and other international players were involved in ceasefire negotiations. The war ended with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for a ceasefire and the deployment of Lebanese and international forces in southern Lebanon to prevent future hostilities.

Aftermath: Hezbollah emerged from the conflict with enhanced political standing, especially within Lebanon and the broader Arab world. Israel, however, faced criticism for its handling of the war, particularly for the inability to stop Hezbollah's rocket attacks and for the high civilian casualties. The war also impacted Lebanon-Israel relations and further fueled regional tensions.

The 2006 war is often seen as a precursor to later conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, as the two remain in a state of hostility, with Hezbollah continuing to grow militarily.