Israel–Southern Lebanon Conflict

Israel launched Operation Litani against Palestinian armed groups following a deadly Palestinian attack inside Israel. The invasion expanded the conflict across southern Lebanon.

Security Council resolutions 425 and 426 established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Its original tasks included confirming Israeli withdrawal, restoring international peace and security, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority.

Israeli forces invaded Lebanon and advanced to Beirut, targeting the Palestine Liberation Organization. The campaign led to the PLO leadership’s departure and a prolonged Israeli military presence in the south.

Hezbollah developed during Lebanon’s civil war and the Israeli occupation. Supported by Iran, it became a central armed actor opposing Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon.

Israel withdrew from much of Lebanon but maintained an occupied zone in the south alongside the allied South Lebanon Army. Fighting with Hezbollah continued until Israel’s withdrawal in 2000.

Israel launched a major offensive against Hezbollah. Bombardment and displacement affected southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel.

Israel launched another offensive against Hezbollah. Israeli artillery struck a UN compound sheltering displaced civilians in Qana, killing more than 100 people. An ensuing understanding sought to restrict attacks affecting civilians.

Israel withdrew its forces from southern Lebanon following years of fighting. The South Lebanon Army collapsed, and Hezbollah presented the withdrawal as a major victory.

The UN identified the Blue Line to verify Israel’s withdrawal. It is a line of withdrawal rather than a negotiated international border; territorial disagreements remained.

A Hezbollah cross-border raid killed Israeli soldiers and captured two others. Israel responded with a major military campaign, while Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel.

Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, alongside Hezbollah rocket fire, caused civilian deaths, extensive destruction, and displacement. Fighting also affected Beirut and other areas beyond the south.

The Security Council adopted resolution 1701 on August 11, and a cessation of hostilities took effect on August 14. The resolution strengthened UNIFIL and supported Lebanese army deployment in the south, alongside Israeli withdrawal.

Hezbollah opened fire toward Israeli positions following the outbreak of the Gaza war. Israel responded with strikes, beginning sustained cross-border fighting and displacement on both sides.

Exchanges of rockets, drones, artillery, and airstrikes intensified. Evacuated communities in southern Lebanon and northern Israel remained unable to return safely.

Explosions involving pagers and radios used by Hezbollah were followed by an intensified Israeli air campaign. The conflict escalated beyond the earlier border exchanges.

An Israeli strike in Beirut killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, dealing a major blow to the organization’s leadership.

Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon, fighting Hezbollah while airstrikes continued elsewhere in the country. Destruction and displacement increased.

A ceasefire sought to stop the fighting and implement arrangements linked to resolution 1701, including Israeli withdrawal and a stronger Lebanese army presence in the south.

Israel continued strikes it said targeted Hezbollah’s rebuilding efforts and retained forces at positions in Lebanon. Disputes over withdrawal, Hezbollah’s weapons, and civilian returns prevented a durable settlement.

Hezbollah launched missiles toward Israel following US–Israeli attacks on Iran. Israeli bombardment and ground operations in Lebanon intensified, creating another major wave of displacement.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire, followed by extensions and further US-backed talks. Hezbollah was not a direct participant in the government-to-government negotiations.

Further ceasefire arrangements sought to reduce hostilities and advance security negotiations. Fighting and disagreements over military withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament continued.

Israel withdrew from West Zawtar under a US-backed pilot arrangement intended to support further withdrawals and disarmament. Residents continued to face damaged infrastructure and insecurity in surrounding areas.

Israeli operations and exchanges with Hezbollah continued around the strategic ridge near Nabatiyeh. Israel claimed operational control, while the extent of control remained disputed.

Israeli military activity and an ongoing presence in parts of southern Lebanon continued. Civilian return and reconstruction remained constrained, while US-backed diplomacy sought progress on security arrangements.