The conflict between Israel and Lebanon, driven primarily by the longstanding enmity between Israel and Hezbollah, has escalated dramatically in recent months. On October 1, 2024, Israel launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon following nearly a year of sporadic exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. This action, which Israel framed as necessary to neutralise Hezbollah’s military capabilities, has caused widespread destruction, particularly in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs. Over 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced, and thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded in the violence, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

The international response has been a mixture of support and caution. While the United States has backed Israel’s right to self-defence, it has also called for a limited operation to avoid a repeat of Israel’s extended occupation of southern Lebanon in the 1980s and 1990s. President Biden has urged Israel to avoid a ground offensive, advocating for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation. Similarly, the European Union and the United Nations have emphasised the need for both sides to cease hostilities, citing concerns over the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Lebanon, already grappling with economic collapse and political instability, has struggled to manage the humanitarian crisis, while Hezbollah continues to engage in cross-border attacks, defending its actions as acts of solidarity with Gaza.

Despite the rationale behind Israel’s military action, the ground invasion and continued bombardments have drawn significant criticism for their devastating impact on Lebanese civilians. While Israel aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, the heavy toll on civilians, including the destruction of homes and vital infrastructure, raises very serious concerns about the proportionality of the response. Satellite imagery has shown entire villages, such as Yaroun and Maroun al-Ras near the Blue Line, reduced to rubble​. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health has reported that over 2,255 people have been killed, with over 10,000 wounded– a number that continues to rise as Israeli airstrikes persist​.

Efforts to broker peace or at least de-escalate the conflict have largely failed, with Hezbollah refusing to back down unless Israel halts its operations in Gaza. The tit-for-tat exchanges, which began in October 2023, have led to nearly 10,000 Israeli attacks on Lebanese soil compared to around 2,000 Hezbollah strikes, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED)​. This imbalance has fuelled criticism of Israel’s approach, with many arguing that disproportionate force will only deepen resentment and hostility in Lebanon. Additionally, the international community has expressed concern over the broader regional implications of the conflict, particularly with Iran’s support of Hezbollah, which complicates efforts at mediation.

Moreover, Hezbollah’s continued presence as both a political and military force in Lebanon further complicates the situation. The group’s role in Lebanese politics, where it holds significant influence, limits the Lebanese government’s ability to curb Hezbollah’s military actions. This dual role of Hezbollah has long been a source of division in Lebanon, with some factions accusing the group of exacerbating Lebanon’s conflicts for its own strategic gain. International efforts to resolve the conflict often fail to account for this complex dynamic, contributing to the persistence of the problem.

To effectively address the ongoing conflict between Lebanon and Israel, a new approach is necessary—one that goes beyond traditional diplomatic statements and reactive military strategies. First and foremost, regional diplomacy must be prioritised. A multilateral peace initiative led by neutral actors such as the United Nations or European Union could provide a platform for Lebanon, Israel, and Hezbollah to negotiate ceasefire agreements and address the root causes of their hostilities. Unlike previous efforts, which were often stymied by regional rivalries, this initiative would need to include a broader coalition of stakeholders, including Iran and other key players, to ensure that all parties have a voice in the process.

Another essential component is the implementation of a peacekeeping force with an enhanced mandate. While UNIFIL(United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) has been present in southern Lebanon since 2006, its limited remit and resources have hampered its ability to prevent hostilities. An expanded and more robust peacekeeping mission, with a focus on preventing arms smuggling and monitoring ceasefire violations, could play an important role in de-escalating tensions. Additionally, a demilitarised zone along the border, similar to the one between North and South Korea, could help reduce the risk of further military engagements.

Moreover, efforts to resolve the conflict must prioritise the humanitarian crisis underway as a result of the violence. Over a million Lebanese civilians have been displaced, and entire communities in southern Lebanon are under siege due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. International humanitarian organisations must be given safe passage to deliver aid to these areas, while local ceasefires should be brokered to allow for the evacuation of civilians.

Lastly, any long-term solution must address the political and socio-economic grievances that have fuelled Hezbollah’s rise. Lebanon is currently experiencing severe economic turmoil, with much of its population living in poverty. International aid and investment in Lebanon’s infrastructure and economy could weaken Hezbollah’s influence, which thrives on economic desperation and a lack of governance. By addressing Lebanon’s internal challenges, the international community can help create conditions for sustainable peace.

The recent developments in the Lebanon-Israel conflict highlight the urgent need for a new strategy that goes beyond reactive military actions and half-hearted diplomatic efforts. The situation has the potential to escalate further if left unaddressed, potentially engulfing the entire region in a wider conflict. While Israel and Hezbollah remain entrenched in their positions, the international community must take charge with a robust diplomatic framework that includes both local and regional stakeholders. Through meaningful dialogue, enhanced peacekeeping measures, and long-term economic investments in Lebanon, a path towards peace can be forged. The stakes are high, but with the right approach, it is possible to de-escalate tensions and move toward a more stable and peaceful Middle East.