The Struggle Between Israel and Hezbollah: A Case of Asymmetry
An Historical Overview
The South Lebanon conflict of 1985-2000 was a complex and multifaceted struggle between Israel, the Catholic Christian-dominated South Lebanon Army (SLA), Hezbollah-led Shia Muslim and left-wing forces, and the civilian population of southern Lebanon.
The Israeli Occupation
Israel invaded southern Lebanon in 1982 with the stated goal of establishing a security zone along its northern border. The Israeli occupation was met with resistance from Hezbollah, which was formed in 1982 as a response to the Israeli invasion.
Hezbollah's Asymmetry
Hezbollah used a variety of asymmetrical tactics to fight the Israeli occupation, including guerilla warfare, roadside bombs, and suicide bombings. Hezbollah's asymmetry gave it an advantage over the Israeli military, which was trained and equipped for conventional warfare.
The Israeli Withdrawal
The Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon gradually became unsustainable as Hezbollah's attacks mounted. In 2000, Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, leaving the SLA to collapse and handing Hezbollah a major victory.
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