Ehud Barak, the former Prime Minister who led Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, stated that the Israeli army should avoid becoming entrenched again in a long-term quagmire in southern Lebanon. Barak acknowledged the security reasons behind the current military pressure but argued that a permanent occupation would be a new mistake.
In an assessment at his home in Tel Aviv, Barak explained that he believed the military presence in Lebanon should have ended years ago. According to him, the decision made in 2000 ended a prolonged military presence that had sparked deep debates within Israel.
Withdrawal of 2000 Back in Focus
Barak said that the reasons for withdrawing Israeli troops from the security zone in Lebanon at that time are now clearer. He described staying in southern Lebanon as "an extended tragedy without a rational justification."
Today, the Israeli army maintains a significant military presence in southern Lebanon again after 26 years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says this force is in the area to stop Hezbollah fire targeting northern Israel.
Netanyahu told his cabinet that they would not allow fire on Israeli territory and that they have dealt very harsh blows to Hezbollah. The Israeli side claims that recent clashes have intensified and that Hezbollah is in the process of retreating.
Tensions Along Israel, Lebanon, and Iran Lines
According to the report, Hezbollah attacks began in early March. The group announced it was acting in support of Iran; Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at Israel on Sunday and Monday, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon as justification.
Israel retaliated with airstrikes. Thus, despite an official ceasefire declaration, the Lebanon and Iran fronts have recently escalated into interconnected conflict zones.
It is also reported that U.S. President Donald Trump sent a message to Netanyahu urging him to stop or at least reduce the scope of attacks in Lebanon. This request is seen as one of the factors complicating efforts to find a deal with Iran.
Barak: Short Operation Should Be Backed by Political Process
While acknowledging Israel’s need to stop Hezbollah attacks, Barak said it would not be right for the army to remain in the area for a long time. According to him, completely defeating Hezbollah would require taking over all of Lebanon, which is not a feasible option.
The former prime minister argued that a limited military operation should be conducted alongside a political process coordinated with the Lebanese government and other parties. Otherwise, military gains on the ground will not translate into a lasting solution.
It was also reported that Israeli and Lebanese delegations met in Washington last week and announced the renewal of the ceasefire in April. However, the new arrangement is said not to indicate a firm hold on the ground.
The Iranian side states it will not agree to any deal with the U.S. unless a ceasefire is simultaneously achieved in Lebanon and Iran. This situation further complicates the diplomatic equation in the region.
Old Debate Rekindled Within Israel
Barak’s withdrawal decision 26 years ago received broad support outside Israel but sparked intense debate within the country. Some supported the move as a way to free Israel from a military burden leading to a deadlock, while hawks argued the withdrawal would strengthen Hezbollah.
Barak recalled that there was serious resistance within the military at the time. He said he believes his decision was correct and has defended it for years.
Today, public support in Israel for the military presence in Lebanon appears strong. However, Israeli journalist and former war veteran Haim Har-Zahav criticized the army’s re-entry into Lebanon, writing that political and military leaders struggle to explain the purpose of this presence to the public.
Har-Zahav, recalling that his daughter also joined the army as part of compulsory service, argued that the new generation is being dragged into fighting amid the same uncertainty. According to him, the occupation in southern Lebanon is a strategic mistake that does not contribute to Israel’s security.
Rising Costs of the Conflict on the Ground
The report states that the Israeli army is now positioned about 15 miles deep inside Lebanon and has lost nearly 30 soldiers in the area. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army will remain in southern Lebanon.
Although Hezbollah has weakened due to blows in recent years, it retains its fighting capacity. The group claims it was excluded from the Washington talks and views the arrangement reached as a surrender on their part.
Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem described the agreement as "absurd, humiliating, and insulting." The verbal exchanges between the parties show that ceasefire discussions have not immediately stopped the fighting on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army continues extensive operations in Gaza, frequently clashes with Palestinians in the West Bank, and holds onto Syrian territory captured last year. It is also reported that Israel coordinates closely with the U.S. militarily in the conflict with Iran.
Barak believes that in modern conflicts, prolonged military presence always carries risks due to rapidly changing conditions. He noted that Hezbollah has developed new methods over the years, from mine devices to fiber-optic controlled drones, emphasizing that battlefield superiority is not permanent.
In the latest round of fighting, Hezbollah’s use of fiber-optic drones poses a significant threat to Israel, reportedly killing some Israeli soldiers with these weapons. Barak said some Israeli leaders dream of holding part of Lebanon indefinitely, but he considers this completely unrealistic.
The report also cites Lebanese Ministry of Health data indicating that over 3,600 people have died in recent clashes and more than one million have been forced to flee their homes. Barak expects the United Nations to call for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon once the war ends.
The former prime minister said that images of displaced people returning home will be the most difficult to present after the war. According to him, the solution this time lies not in extending the military presence but in finding a political way out.
