Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters emphasize the existential threat posed by Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, it is crucial to remember that these militias only gained power due to historical events, such as the expulsion of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from Lebanon in 1982.
The PLO’s expulsion paved the way for Hezbollah to establish itself in Lebanon, leading to the current situation. While Israel’s military successes are impressive, they often create space for more powerful adversaries. A lasting victory for Israel can only be achieved through political means, despite current escalations.
PLO’s expulsion and the rise of Hezbollah
Yasser Arafat’s PLO raids from Lebanon into Israel in the 1960s and 1970s led to Israeli military interventions. The 1982 invasion aimed to eliminate Arafat, but he was evacuated to Tunisia under international protection.
This expulsion created an opportunity for Hezbollah, backed by Syria and Iran, to rise in Lebanon, recruiting Shiite fighters previously trained by the PLO. Understanding this historical context is essential in the current conflict.