The history between Lebanon and Israel, explained

Summary

This video delves into the complex and turbulent history between Israel and Lebanon, focusing on the rise of Hezbollah. It traces key events from the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, the Palestinian refugee crisis, Lebanon’s Civil War, and Israeli invasions. Hezbollah, founded in 1982 during Israel’s invasion, evolved into a major political and military force in Lebanon. The video also covers ongoing tensions, including the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, and recent developments such as Hezbollah's involvement in the 2024 conflict. The escalating violence continues to displace millions in Lebanon, shaping the current geopolitical landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 The history between Israel and Lebanon has been marked by multiple conflicts, especially in relation to Hezbollah and its formation.
• 😀 The 1948 Arab-Israeli war led to Israel's expansion, displacing around 100,000 Palestinians, many of whom fled to Lebanon.
• 😀 The 1970s saw escalating tensions in Lebanon, as Palestinian guerrilla groups set up operations in the country, eventually contributing to the Lebanese Civil War in 1975.
• 😀 The Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) was triggered by sectarian violence and a growing insecurity crisis, ultimately resulting in around 150,000 deaths.
• 😀 In 1978, Israel invaded South Lebanon to combat Palestinian militants, an occupation that lasted until the year 2000.
• 😀 Hezbollah was formed in 1982 by Iran's Revolutionary Guards to resist Israeli occupation and played a key role in the military conflict in Lebanon.
• 😀 The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon resulted in the Sabra and Shatila massacre, where hundreds of Palestinians were killed by Lebanese militias with Israeli backing.
• 😀 Hezbollah's guerilla tactics against Israeli forces in Lebanon intensified in the 1980s and 1990s, with numerous cross-border attacks.
• 😀 In 2000, Israel withdrew from South Lebanon, ending 22 years of occupation, but Hezbollah continued to challenge Israeli security with periodic attacks.
• 😀 The 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war saw heavy casualties on both sides and led to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
• 😀 Since 2006, sporadic border clashes have continued, with tensions rising after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, resulting in Hezbollah launching rocket attacks in solidarity with Palestinians.
• 😀 In September 2024, explosions in Lebanon involving Hezbollah operatives heightened tensions, culminating in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, further escalating the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Q & A

What was the primary cause of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War?

The primary cause of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War was the declaration of the State of Israel and the subsequent military response by neighboring Arab states, including Lebanon, who rejected the establishment of Israel and its territorial claims.

How did the 1948 conflict affect the Palestinian population in Lebanon?

By the end of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, around 100,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes in what had been British-ruled Palestine, arriving in Lebanon as refugees.

What led to the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975?

The Lebanese Civil War in 1975 was ignited by escalating sectarian tensions, partly triggered by an attack by the Christian militia group the Falangists on a bus of Palestinian refugees. This attack intensified violence between Lebanese factions and Palestinian groups.

What role did Hezbollah play in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict in the 1980s?

Hezbollah was established in the early 1980s by Iran's Revolutionary Guards to counter Israel's invasion of Lebanon. It played a significant role in launching guerrilla attacks against Israeli forces and other foreign militaries in Lebanon.

How did Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982 change the political landscape?

The Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, which resulted in the occupation of southern Lebanon and the siege of Beirut, led to the establishment of Hezbollah as a powerful resistance movement. It also intensified sectarian divisions within Lebanon.

What was the significance of the Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982?

The Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982 involved the killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians by the Falangist militia, with Israeli troops allowing the militia to enter the refugee camps. This event caused widespread international outrage and led to an Israeli inquiry that held Defense Minister Ariel Sharon responsible.

What was the outcome of the 2000 Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon?

In 2000, Israel withdrew from its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution. The withdrawal was seen as a victory for Hezbollah, which had waged a prolonged resistance campaign against Israeli forces.

What triggered the 2006 Lebanon War between Hezbollah and Israel?

The 2006 Lebanon War was triggered when Hezbollah crossed the Israeli-Lebanese border, kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, and killed others, demanding the release of Palestinian detainees. Israel's military response escalated into a full-scale conflict.

What was UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and what did it aim to achieve?

UN Security Council Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, and demanded that Hezbollah's forces withdraw north of the Litani River. However, the disarmament of Hezbollah remained elusive.

How did the 7th October 2024 Hamas attack impact Hezbollah’s actions?

After the 7th October 2024 Hamas attack on Israel, Hezbollah launched a rocket campaign into Israel in support of Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment in Gaza. This contributed to the rising tensions and military confrontations along the Israeli-Lebanese border.