Litani Operation

Israel has clear objectives south of Litani River, but will face difficulty up north - analysis

The current campaign in southern Lebanon is designed to neutralize the most immediate threats – cross-border infiltration and anti-tank missile fire – while containing long-range Hezbollah fire.

|ByHERB KEINON
Litani river, Bekaa Valley.
The damaged Zrarieh Bridge over the Litani river, after it was hit by an Israeli strike in Tayr Falsay in southern Lebanon, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 13, 2026.

As Israel prepares to intensify ground offensive in Lebanon, what can be learned from past wars?

Israel's doctrine after October 7 is the same as the 1967 doctrine, where it took over the large areas it had conquered after the Six-Day War. It is yet to be seen whether it will work in Lebanon.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Protesters hold placards and Hezbollah flags during a demonstration condemning recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon, in Beirut, Lebanon February 4, 2026.

State vs. militia: Why Lebanon is struggling to meet Hezbollah disarmament deadlines - analysis

Beirut faced a test as the army set a 4-month window to disarm Hezbollah north of the Litani, despite skepticism over the group’s 25,000 rockets.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Members of the Lebanese army stand at the entrance of Deir Mimas, after an Israeli military spokesperson said on Monday that Israel would keep troops in several posts in southern Lebanon past a February 18 deadline for them to withdraw, in Deir Mimas, Lebanon February 18, 2025.

Lebanese Army takes control of most of Hezbollah bases in south Lebanon, some sites in north

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the civil war, the Lebanese Army has begun dismantling Hezbollah bases across Lebanon without resistance.

|ByYUVAL BARNEA

IDF chief skips first chance to commute Azaria’s sentence

The IDF chief’s own statements the day that Azaria’s appeal was rejected indicated that he would seriously consider leniency if Azaria dropped a potential appeal to the High Court of Justice.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2017ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Elor Azaria, July 29 2017.