How long will the war between Israel and Lebanon?

According to the American Ceasefire File, Iran accepted the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon on 15 November 2024. The Kemanei’s advisor dealt with the Lebanese PM on the last day.

Kemanei’s advisor dealt with the Lebanese authority

The Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Historical Context, Destruction, and Support for Lebanon from Iran

Historical Context of the Israel-Lebanon Conflict

The Israel-Lebanon conflict has a long and complex history rooted in territorial disputes, ideological differences, and the broader dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The tension between the two nations escalated in the late 20th century, particularly with the rise of militant groups in Lebanon and Israel’s military interventions.

The most significant conflicts include:

1. The 1978 South Lebanon Conflict: Israel launched Operation Litani, aiming to create a buffer zone to prevent attacks from Palestinian militants based in southern Lebanon.
2. The 1982 Lebanon War: This marked Israel's full-scale invasion of Lebanon to expel the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from the country. It led to the occupation of southern Lebanon for nearly two decades.
3. The 2006 Lebanon War: A 34-day war erupted after Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group based in Lebanon, conducted a cross-border raid, killing and capturing Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with widespread airstrikes and ground incursions, leading to significant destruction in Lebanon.

These wars have left Lebanon with enduring scars, both physically and socially. The country's southern region, a frequent battlefield, has been disproportionately affected, with towns and villages suffering heavy damage.

Destruction in Lebanon

Lebanon has endured significant devastation from these conflicts, particularly during the 2006 war. Key aspects of this destruction include:

1. Physical Infrastructure:
   Israel’s airstrikes and artillery destroyed vital infrastructure across Lebanon, including roads, bridges, airports, power plants, and water systems. Beirut, the capital, and the southern suburbs faced severe bombing, leaving buildings flattened and neighborhoods unrecognizable.
2. Civilian Impact:
   Civilians bore the brunt of the conflict. Over 1,100 Lebanese, mostly civilians, were killed in the 2006 war, with many more injured. Hundreds of thousands were displaced, often forced to flee to overcrowded shelters with limited resources. Entire villages in the south were reduced to rubble.
3. Economic Devastation:
   The cost of rebuilding Lebanon after the 2006 war was estimated at billions of dollars. Industries, agriculture, and commerce suffered immense losses, plunging the country deeper into economic hardship. Tourism, a vital source of revenue, also plummeted as the conflict made the country unsafe.
4. Environmental Damage:
   Israeli airstrikes on oil storage tanks in Jiyeh caused one of the worst environmental disasters in the Mediterranean. The resulting oil spill polluted over 150 kilometers of Lebanon's coastline, threatening marine life and livelihoods dependent on fishing.
5. Psychological Trauma:
   Beyond physical destruction, the wars left lasting psychological scars on the Lebanese population. Repeated exposure to violence, displacement, and loss of loved ones have caused widespread mental health issues.

Kemanei’s advisor press meeting

Iran’s Role in Supporting Lebanon

Iran has played a significant role in Lebanon, primarily through its close ties with Hezbollah, the powerful political and military organization. While controversial, Iran's involvement has been multifaceted, with elements of support aimed at Lebanon’s rebuilding and relief efforts alongside its strategic interests.

1. Military and Financial Support to Hezbollah:
   Iran has provided financial aid, training, and weapons to Hezbollah, enabling the group to grow into a formidable force in Lebanon. This has included reconstruction assistance in areas heavily affected by conflict, where Hezbollah has helped rebuild homes, schools, and mosques.
2. Reconstruction Efforts:
   Iran has funded various reconstruction projects in southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut. These initiatives have included rebuilding war-torn villages, providing financial compensation to families affected by the war, and restoring critical infrastructure like hospitals and power stations.
3. Humanitarian Aid:
   Iran has provided humanitarian assistance to Lebanon during and after conflicts. This includes medical supplies, food aid, and financial support for displaced families. Iranian NGOs have also been active in Lebanon, offering community services and developmental programs.
4. Political Support:
   Iran has consistently supported Lebanon in international forums, calling for Israeli accountability and advocating for the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon. It has also encouraged resistance against what it views as Israeli aggression.

Iran's New Hypersonic Ballistic Missile

Challenges in Supporting Lebanon

While Iran's support has been significant, it is not without challenges and controversies:

1. Dependency on Hezbollah:
   Much of Iran’s support flows through Hezbollah, which critics argue undermines the Lebanese state's authority and perpetuates political divisions within the country. The group's militarization has also drawn Lebanon into conflicts it might otherwise avoid.
2. International Sanctions and Isolation:
   Iran’s own economic challenges, exacerbated by international sanctions, limit its ability to provide sustained support to Lebanon. This has made some reconstruction projects slower or incomplete.
3. Perception and Polarization:
   Iran's involvement in Lebanon is divisive. While some view it as a source of strength against Israel, others see it as fostering sectarian divisions and deepening foreign influence in Lebanon's internal affairs.

How Iran and the International Community Can Help Lebanon

To provide meaningful support for Lebanon, a more comprehensive approach is necessary—balancing reconstruction, development, and peace-building efforts while respecting Lebanon's sovereignty and political diversity.

1. Strengthening Civil Infrastructure:
   Investment in rebuilding Lebanon's infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools, should be prioritized. This could involve joint initiatives with international organizations to ensure transparency and efficiency.
2. Humanitarian Aid Expansion:
   Iran can increase its humanitarian assistance by supporting Lebanese NGOs and grassroots organizations that focus on health, education, and social welfare. This approach ensures that aid reaches those in need without exacerbating political tensions.
3. Promoting National Unity:
   Iran could encourage dialogue among Lebanon’s diverse political and religious groups to foster unity. A stable and cohesive Lebanon is less likely to be drawn into external conflicts.
4. Environmental Restoration:
   Supporting Lebanon in addressing environmental damage from past wars, such as cleaning up oil spills and reforesting damaged areas, would have long-term benefits for public health and economic recovery.
5. Collaborating with the International Community:
   To avoid perceptions of unilateral influence, Iran could work with international agencies like the United Nations to provide coordinated aid. This ensures accountability and widens the scope of assistance.
6. Encouraging Peaceful Resolutions:
   As a key player in the region, Iran could advocate for peaceful negotiations to address the underlying causes of the Israel-Lebanon conflict. De-escalating tensions benefits both Lebanon and regional stability.

The Role of the Global Community

While Iran’s support is important, the global community must also play a role in helping Lebanon recover and thrive:

• Increased Financial Assistance: Countries and international institutions can provide grants and loans to rebuild Lebanon’s economy and infrastructure.
• Diplomatic Efforts for Peace: Mediating between Israel and Lebanon to prevent future conflicts is essential. Lasting peace requires addressing issues like border disputes and security guarantees.
• Support for Refugees and Displaced Persons: The international community should assist Lebanon in managing the humanitarian impact of conflict, including hosting Syrian refugees and rebuilding war-torn areas.

Conclusion

The Israel-Lebanon conflict has inflicted profound suffering on Lebanon, with widespread destruction and lasting socio-economic impacts. Iran’s support, particularly through reconstruction and humanitarian aid, has been a lifeline for many Lebanese. However, sustainable recovery requires a collaborative approach involving local stakeholders, regional actors like Iran, and the international community.

Helping Lebanon rebuild is not just a matter of humanitarian concern—it is essential for regional stability and peace. Addressing the root causes of conflict, rebuilding infrastructure, and fostering unity can ensure a brighter future for Lebanon and its people.