The recent flare-up in hostilities between Israeli forces and Lebanese militant groups, specifically Hezbollah, has drawn significant international attention and concerns as the region continues to grapple with instability, political complexities, and evolving military strategies. The backdrop of this devastating conflict is rooted in decades of animosity, marked by several violent confrontations, territorial disputes, power, and shifting alliances to reflect broader geopolitical dynamics within the Middle East. Israel’s constant and continuous attacks on Lebanon have had devastating consequences for their countries and their region. Although both countries have faced devastating consequences, Lebanon is reaping the truly devastating consequences and effects of ongoing conflict. Israel’s military actions and bombings have resulted in widespread mass destruction, significant losses of life, displacement of civilians, and poverty, leading to the constant cycle of violence and conflict, which has only worsened over time.
History of Lebanon & Israel
To clearly understand the significance of the conflict and the consequences of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, we must understand the historical context of both countries. The Israeli-Lebanese conflict has had a long and tumultuous history, marked by several years of wars, conflict, and political turmoil. The most significant conflict, the Lebanese Civil War, and the subsequent Israeli invasion in both 1982, and 2006, which were largely fueled by Hezbollah’s emergence as a power militia, opposing Israeli actions in Southern Lebanon. However, the 2006 war ended in a stalemate, neither party wanted war or made efforts for peace. Although the war ended in a stalemate, the underlying issues of territorial disputes, political instability, and Iranian influence in Lebanon have continued to fuel the ongoing tensions. Moving to the current day, the latest escalation and strikes are emblematic of the multifaceted struggle which encompasses not only military objectives, but the use of psychological warfare, media narratives, and international diplomatic maneuvering.
Israel Reasoning for Attacks
In recent months, critics and citizens across the world have argued and protested that Israel’s military response in Lebanon echoes the identical tactics employed against the Palestinians 11 months ago, highly suggesting a troubled pattern of aggression, violence, destruction, and death towards the Lebanese country, rather than Israel posing a defensive posture. Earlier this morning, Netanyahu released a media campaign video stating “Israel is not at war with you-Lebanon, we are at war with Hezbollah.” As stated by the Israeli envoy at the UN convening 10 months ago, “Israel is not at war with Palestine, but with the Hamas terrorist group.” this simply proves how Israel poses itself towards an aggressive pattern and war rather than posing a defensive front when directed with conflict. Many political leaders and public citizens have observed and noted how Israel engages in broader campaigns against militant groups who challenge dominance rather than protecting their sovereignty from perceived threats, effectively repeating the cycle of violence and destruction that has been characterized in its relations with the Palestinian territories. The dramatic shift raises important concerns regarding Israel’s strategic objectives and the ethical implications of their military actions, as both the civilian population in Palestine and now Lebanon is bearing the brunt of the conflict.
Recent Escalation & Consequences
Furthermore, the recent escalation of violence between Lebanon and Israel has resulted in the deadliest war the region has faced since its civil war. Israeli air raids hitting mostly southern and eastern Lebanon have killed at least 492 people and wounded at least 1,645, according to the country’s health ministry, in the deadliest day of conflict in Lebanon since its 1975-90 civil war. The continuous attacks and bombing by Israel on Lebanon have resulted in the drastic loss of life, and severe destruction of infrastructure and land in the country, leading to the rapid widespread devastation and displacement of thousands of civilians. Furthermore, the indiscriminate bombing of residential areas by the Israeli military has led to the deaths of many innocent men, women, and children. Schools, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure have been targeted, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The government ordered schools and universities to close across most of the country and began preparing shelters for people displaced from the south. Some attacks hit residential areas of towns in the south and the Bekaa Valley in the east. One strike hit a wooded area as far away as Byblos in central Lebanon, more than 129km (80 miles) from the border and north of Beirut. The loss of civilian lives is beyond tragic and unacceptable, underscoring the need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed, destruction, and loss of innocent lives.
Effects of Attacks on Economy
The recent attacks and continuous rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel have had devastating impacts and consequences on the already fragile Lebanese economy. The country before the Israeli missile attacks had been struggling with high inflation rates, poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment. The mass destruction of businesses, homes, land, and public infrastructure has further weakened the country’s fragile economy, further exacerbating the country’s conflict, and leading to widespread hunger and poverty. Amin Salam, the Lebanese economy minister, said the conflict presents a significant challenge for the government. He stressed the need to ensure food security and maintain the supply of commodities and raw materials in a country that “imports 90 percent of its needs and produces only 10 percent,” and said the Ministry of Economy has been in a state of emergency for three years. With the increased military activity in the country, significant disruptions in daily life and economic activity have occurred, severely affecting the overall economy of the country. Businesses in the southern part of Lebanon near the border have been facing the dual threat of direct military engagement, and the decline of consumer confidence. Several shops and services have had to shut down, leading to a significant decrease in local commerce in times of urgent need. The Israeli air campaign also reached Beqaa in the east, particularly the outskirts of Baalbek, the agricultural heart of the country, severely restricting the activities of producers and farmers. War has also disrupted the flow of essential goods and services, making it far more difficult for civilians to access necessities such as food, water, and medical care.
International Response Needed
The war and conflict between Lebanon and Israel have had a devastating impact on the people of Lebanon and the wider region of the country. The significantly increasing number of civilian casualties, economic devastation, and broader geo-political implications have highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolutions. The international community must take immediate action to address the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and bring an immediate end to the violence and attacks by Israel against Lebanon. The United Nations and other international organizations must work together in facilitating a ceasefire by introducing the opportunity of bringing both parties to the table to discuss and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Furthermore, immediate efforts must be made in addressing the root causes of the conflict, and work towards achieving peacebuilding and peace-keeping methods, respecting the rights and sovereignty of Lebanon.
