Israeli Troops Withdraw from Southern Lebanon: A Historic Moment The End of a 22-Year Occupation

On May 24, 2000, Israel completed a significant and historic military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, ending a 22-year occupation that had profoundly impacted the politics and lives of people in the region. This momentous event was the culmination of years of conflict, strategic maneuvers, and diplomatic efforts.

The Background of the Occupation

In 1978, following a series of attacks by Palestinian militants, Israel launched Operation Litani, a military campaign to push back against the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. The operation marked the beginning of Israeli involvement in Lebanon, but the occupation became more entrenched in 1982 when Israel invaded Lebanon in a bid to eradicate PLO forces. This invasion led to a prolonged military presence in southern Lebanon, where Israel established a security zone meant to protect its northern border from attacks.

Impact on the Region

The 22-year occupation had far-reaching consequences for both Lebanon and Israel. In Lebanon, the presence of Israeli troops fostered resentment and anger, contributing to the rise of Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group that vowed to expel Israeli forces. The occupation led to ongoing skirmishes, bombings, and a cycle of violence that affected countless civilians. The Lebanese population suffered from the disruption of daily life, destruction of infrastructure, and a pervasive sense of insecurity.

For Israel, the occupation was fraught with challenges. Maintaining control over the security zone required significant military resources and exposed Israeli soldiers to constant danger from Hezbollah attacks. The conflict drained the nation's finances and morale, as the casualties mounted over the years.

The Decision to Withdraw

By the late 1990s, pressure was mounting within Israel to reconsider the occupation of southern Lebanon. The Israeli public grew increasingly weary of the ongoing conflict and its human toll. Prime Minister Ehud Barak, elected in 1999, pledged to withdraw Israeli forces from Lebanon, fulfilling a promise that resonated with a war-weary electorate. The decision was also influenced by changing regional dynamics and a desire to refocus on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

The Withdrawal Process

The withdrawal was meticulously planned and executed with a combination of military precision and diplomatic coordination. Israel worked closely with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to ensure a smooth transition and to prevent a power vacuum that could lead to further chaos. On May 24, 2000, the last Israeli soldier left Lebanese soil, and the security zone was dismantled.

Aftermath and Legacy

The aftermath of the withdrawal was complex. Lebanon celebrated the end of the occupation, and Hezbollah claimed victory, bolstering its political and military standing. The withdrawal did not immediately bring an end to hostilities, as sporadic clashes continued along the border. However, it marked a significant turning point in Israeli-Lebanese relations and altered the geopolitical landscape of the region.

In Israel, the withdrawal was met with mixed reactions. While many viewed it as a necessary step towards peace and stability, others criticized it as a retreat that emboldened Hezbollah. The decision to withdraw remains a contentious issue in Israeli politics, reflecting the broader debates about security and foreign policy.

Conclusion

The territory that Israel pulled out of was afterwards largely occupied by forces controlled by Hezbollah. With support from Syria and Iran the area became a hotbed for rocket sites. In 2024 Israeli forces again crossed into Lebanon to destroy the rocket sites – that have killed numerous Israelis.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)