The persistent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon continues to devastate communities and displace a significant portion of the population, even as international attention shifts. This ongoing warfare, occurring just a mile from the Israeli border, stands in contrast to broader diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran, and its resolution is critical for regional stability.
Residents in southern Lebanon face a grim reality marked by destruction and loss. Augeni Karam, a resident of the Christian village of Qlayaa, has remained confined to her home for over four weeks following the deaths of her husband, son, and daughter in an Israeli drone strike on June 1. The IDF stated the strike was a mistake and expressed regret, attributing the action to the car behaving suspiciously in an evacuated area. However, the lack of a full explanation has left Karam and her community seeking accountability.
The landscape in southern Lebanon bears the scars of the conflict. Towns and villages near the Israeli border, including Dibbine and Khiam, have been heavily damaged, with Israel citing the necessity of its actions due to Hezbollah's alleged use of human shields and munitions hidden in civilian areas. This has led to an IDF-established 10-kilometer buffer zone aimed at protecting Israeli citizens.
Many Lebanese, however, express anger not only at Israel's actions but also at Hezbollah for provoking the conflict. "There is a general understanding that you don't mess with Israel – you have seen what they have done in Gaza," stated Michel Douaihy, a Lebanese MP. "But twice since October 7 they provoked them. Hezbollah should not have engaged."
This sentiment is echoed by individuals who have lost family members. Caroline Hamadi, whose father, retired Lebanese Army General Mohammad Hamadi, was killed in an Israeli strike on March 8, blames Hezbollah for their involvement in the conflict. "They destroyed my life – definitely," she said. "They got us involved, the whole country involved."
Similarly, Mahmoud Scafi, who lost his son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren in a September 2024 Israeli missile strike, expressed fury at Hezbollah for hosting fighters in the targeted apartment building, calling them "the cause of this war."
The conflict's roots trace back to cross-border fire exchanged between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly following the Oct. 7 attacks. While Israel conducted operations, including the alleged assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the use of exploding pagers against commanders, a proposed disarmament of Hezbollah by the Lebanese state faltered. The election of former Lebanese Army chief Joseph Aoun as president last year offered a potential pathway, but disarmament efforts were delayed.
Hezbollah's renewed engagement with Israel in March, following the US-Israeli assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further complicated disarmament efforts and reignited hostilities. The group's continued presence and political influence in Lebanon, coupled with Iran's backing, present a significant challenge.
Despite a pause in hostilities agreed upon last month, deadly bombings persist. The ongoing situation has displaced approximately 1.2 million people in Lebanon, a fifth of the country's population. Many who remain in the south are trapped between the fighting and cannot afford to flee, facing constant threats and paranoia.
Efforts by President Aoun to engage in direct talks with Israel, aiming for Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Hezbollah's full disarmament, faced strong opposition from Hezbollah. The group has vowed to continue fighting the IDF.
International policy, including a US Memorandum of Understanding that reportedly calls for an end to Israeli fighting with Hezbollah without demanding the group's disarmament or Iran's cessation of funding, has been met with criticism. Experts suggest that without robust international support for disarming Iran's proxy, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, potentially missing a crucial opportunity for lasting peace.