Israel-Lebanon Conflict and Ceasefire

Why in News?

The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, modeled on UNSC Resolution 1701, marks an end to the 13-month-long conflict that escalated in September. The ceasefire comes after Israel’s security cabinet approved a US-backed proposal, signaling an important development in the region’s geopolitics. This follows recent hostilities involving Hezbollah, and broader discussions on the ethical justifications of war amidst global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war.

Understanding the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

1. Origins of the Conflict:

• 1948 Arab-Israeli War: Creation of Israel displaced over 750,000 Palestinian Arabs, many of whom took refuge in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions.
• Rise of Hezbollah (1982): Formed as a Shia militia with Iranian support to resist Israeli occupation during the Lebanese Civil War.
• Israeli Occupation: Military interventions in 1978 and 1982 led to a prolonged Israeli presence in southern Lebanon and the emergence of Hezbollah as a resistance force.

2. Major Escalations (1980s–2006):

• Guerrilla Warfare (1980s): Hezbollah engaged in attacks on Israeli forces, including the 1983 US and French barracks bombings in Beirut.
• July War (2006): Sparked by Hezbollah’s capture of two Israeli soldiers, the 34-day conflict caused:
  • 1,200 Lebanese deaths and 158 Israeli fatalities.
  • Severe infrastructure damage, solidifying Hezbollah’s status as a regional actor.

3. Recent Developments (2010s–Present):

• Syrian Civil War (2012): Hezbollah supported the Assad regime, gaining combat experience.
• Gaza Conflict (2023): Hezbollah launched rockets in solidarity with Gaza amidst escalating Israeli actions.
• Tensions in 2024: Assassination of Hezbollah leaders and cross-border hostilities intensified, leading to Israel’s military advances to the Litani River.

The Ceasefire Agreement: Modeled on UNSC Resolution 1701

Overview of UNSC Resolution 1701

Adopted on August 11, 2006, it sought to end the Israel-Hezbollah war, create a buffer zone, and establish a permanent ceasefire.

Key Provisions:

1. Disarmament:
   • Fulldisarmament of armed groups in Lebanon, granting monopoly of force to the Lebanese State.
2. Buffer Zone:
   • Establishment of ademilitarized zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River.
   • OnlyUNIFIL peacekeepers and Lebanese forces are permitted in this area.
3. Arms Control:
   • Prohibition ofarms transfers to Lebanon without government consent.
4. Monitoring Role of UNIFIL:
   • Deployment of up to15,000 UN peacekeepers to assist in ceasefire monitoring and buffer zone enforcement.

Key Takeaways from the Ceasefire

1. Cessation of Hostilities:
   • A60-day truce serves as a framework for a long-term resolution.
2. Withdrawal of Forces:
   • Hezbollah:Retreats 40 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border.
   • Israel:Agrees to withdraw from Lebanese territory.
3. Enhanced Oversight Mechanisms:
   • Lebanon to strengthen monitoring ofHezbollah’s activities south of the Litani River.
   • Oversight involves:
     • UN peacekeepers.
     • Lebanese military.
     • Amultinational committee comprising US, France, Lebanon, Israel, and UNIFIL.

4. Israel’s Conditional Approach:
   • Israel reserves the right toresume operations if Hezbollah breaches terms.
   • Ceasefire does not demand Hezbollah’sdisarmament in northern Lebanon.

Broader Ethical Context: The Debate on War and Peace

1. Just War Theory (JWT): A Measured Perspective

• Philosophers: Developed by St. Augustine and Aquinas.
• Core Tenets:
  • Jus ad Bellum: War is justified for self-defense, halting atrocities, or preventing future aggression.
  • Jus in Bello: Emphasizes ethical warfare, minimizing civilian harm.
  • Jus Post Bellum: Focuses on just peace, addressing root causes of conflict.

2. Realism: Power Politics Dominate

• Thinkers: Articulated by Thucydides and Machiavelli.
• Core Belief: States prioritize security and power over moral considerations, viewing war as a pragmatic necessity.

3. Pacifism: Rejecting All Violence

• Advocates: Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
• Belief: Nonviolent resistance offers a more sustainable path to peace.
• Criticism: Critics argue it is impractical in the face of severe aggression.

Israel’s Motivation Behind the Ceasefire

Strategic and Military Considerations:

1. Iran as a Priority: Redirect focus onIran as a regional threat.
2. Replenishment of Resources: Ceasefire allows Israeli forces to regroup after prolonged engagement.
3. Separation of Fronts: IsolateHamas and Hezbollah theaters to reduce strain on military resources.

Domestic and Tactical Factors:

1. Civil-Military Dynamics in Israel:
   • Former defense officials questioned the government’smilitary objectives, urging diplomacy.
2. Challenges in Lebanon:
   • Prolonged presence could strengthenHezbollah’s domestic support.
3. Hezbollah’s Resilience:
   • Despite heavy losses, Hezbollah retained operational capacity, launching250 rockets just before the ceasefire.

Contemporary Updates on Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

1. Multilateral Engagement:
   • The US andFrance have actively mediated, enhancing the multinational oversight role in the ceasefire agreement.
2. Focus on Reconstruction:
   • Lebanon seeks international aid to rebuildinfrastructure damaged during hostilities.
3. Hezbollah’s Position:
   • While adhering to the ceasefire, Hezbollah has warned of retaliation ifprovocations

Conclusion

The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, rooted in UNSC Resolution 1701, reflects the region’s delicate geopolitical balance. While it provides temporary relief, the agreement does not address deeper issues like Hezbollah’s disarmament or the root causes of hostilities, leaving room for future tensions. The ethical frameworks of Just War Theory, Realism, and Pacifism offer contrasting lenses to understand the conflict, highlighting the complexity of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

MAINS QUESTION

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