Israel-Hezbollah Conflict and War Theory

• 08 Oct 2024

For Prelims: Israel, Palestine, Middle-East, Arab World, Yom-Kippur War, Zionism, Al-Aqsa, Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO)

Mains: Impact of Israel-Palestine Conflict, Ethical Basis for War and Peace and Related issues

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recent conflicts, such as the prolonged Israel-Hezbollah war, the Russia-Ukraine war, and unrest in many other parts of the world have revived the debate over whether large-scale violence can ever be justified.  

• The three major schools of thought provide distinct ethical viewpoints on this matter providing distinct perspectives on the morality of war, making this issue increasingly relevant today. 

What are the Reasons of Conflict Between Israel and Hezbollah? 

• Origins of the Conflict (1982):  
  • The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 triggered mass displacement of over 750,000 Palestinian Arabs (during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war). 
  • Many of these refugees sought shelter in southern Lebanon, heightening tensions in the region. This situation was further complicated by conflicts among various Lebanese factions, including Christian militias and Palestinian groups. 
  • During the 1960s and 1970s, the presence of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in southern Lebanon escalated Israeli security concerns.  
    • In response to PLO attacks on northern Israeli towns, Israel launched military operations in Lebanon (1978 and 1982), leading to prolonged occupation and the eventual rise of Hezbollah. 
  • Hezbollah was established in 1982, with Iranian support, in response to the Israeli invasion and the ongoing civil war, aiming to resist Israeli occupation and protect Lebanese sovereignty. 
• Escalation of Violence (1980s - 1990s):  During the 1980s, Hezbollah conducted guerrilla warfare against Israeli forces and their allies in Lebanon, notably bombing US and French barracks in 1983, causing significant casualties.  
  • By 1985, as Hezbollah's military strength increased, Israel withdrew to a self-declared "security zone" in southern Lebanon, which it held until 2000. 
• Political Integration and Continued Hostilities (1990s): Following the Lebanese civil war, Hezbollah integrated into politics, securing parliamentary seats and establishing a social support network, which enhanced its legitimacy among Shia communities.  
  • In 1993, Israel launched "Operation Accountability" in response to Hezbollah attacks, resulting in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in Lebanon known as Seven-Day War (1993). 
• The July War (2006): In July 2006, Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers, prompting a large-scale Israeli military response. The conflict lasted 34 days and resulted in around 1,200 Lebanese and 158 Israeli fatalities. The war underscored Hezbollah's military capabilities and solidified its position as a key player in Lebanese and regional politics. 
• Recent Developments (2010s - Present): 
  • Syrian Civil War Involvement: Since 2012, Hezbollah has intervened in the Syrian civil war to support the Assad regime, gaining valuable combat experience despite facing criticism. 
  • Gaza Conflict (2023): In October 2023, Hezbollah launched a rocket campaign in solidarity with Gaza amid escalating Israeli military actions, intensifying cross-border hostilities. 
  • Recent Escalations: The assassination of key Hezbollah leaders and the blast of walkie-talkie and pagers in September 2024 have increased tensions, with Hezbollah vowing retaliation, raising the possibility of further conflict. 

What is the Ethical Basis for War and Peace? 

• Just War Theory (JWT): A Measured Approach: 
  • About: 
    • Just War Theory (JWT) is a significant framework in international law, primarily articulated by philosophers such as Augustine and Aquinas.  
    • It holds that war can be morally justified in certain situations, though it is not commendable merely for its strategic or bold nature.  
    • It views war as an acceptable form of mass political violence under specific conditions. 
  • Parts of JWT: 
    • Jus ad Bellum (Just Cause): This principle focuses on the justification for initiating war. Just causes include self-defense, preventing future aggression, and stopping ongoing atrocities.  
      • Example: Allied forces' intervention in World War II is often cited as a just war, responding to aggression and atrocities committed by Axis powers. 
    • Jus in Bello (Right Conduct): This principle dictates how war is waged. It emphasises minimising civilian casualties, avoiding unnecessary suffering, and respecting the rights of non-combatants. 
      • Violations of these principles can lead to war crimes, as outlined in international humanitarian law. 
    • Jus Post Bellum (Just Peace): This principle focuses on a just and lasting peace following the war. It emphasises fair treatment of the defeated, reconstruction efforts, and addressing the root causes of conflict. 
• Realism: Power Politics Prevail 
  • Thought: 
    • Realism asserts that moral considerations have no place in international relations. 
    • According to realists, states operate in an anarchic international system where power and national security are paramount. 
      • They believe that national security, national interest, and the pursuit of power are the driving forces in international politics, and war becomes a tool to achieve these goals. 
    • It was articulated by philosophers like Thucydides and Machiavelli. 
    • They criticise Just War Theory for being impractical and idealistic, arguing that focusing on morality weakens a state's ability to defend itself and pursue its interests. 
  • Criticism of Realism: Critics of realism point out that a complete disregard for ethics can lead to brutal and unnecessary wars. 
  • Examples: Historical events like the lead-up to World Wars I and World Wars II show that states prioritise strategic calculations over ethics.  
    • The Cuban Missile Crisis highlights this realist view, with national security outweighing moral concerns. 
• Pacifism: Abhorring All Violence 
  • Thought: 
    • Pacifists reject all forms of violence, including war, and promote nonviolent resistance and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, aligning with the ideals of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. 
    • Pacifists critique Just War Theory by arguing that any justification for war leads to more violence and suffering. 
    • They believe that creative and persistent nonviolent methods can achieve more lasting peace than armed conflict.  
  • Criticism of Pacifism: 
    • Critics argue that pacifism can be unrealistic when confronting aggression and evil, suggesting that military force may sometimes be necessary to prevent or stop atrocities. 

What is Hezbollah? 

• Hezbollah, which translates to "Party of God," is a Shia militia and political party based in Lebanon. 
• Origin of Hezbollah: 
  • Hezbollah was founded in 1982 as a resistance movement against the Israeli invasion of Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990).  
  • It received support from Lebanon's Shia community, Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Palestinian groups, influenced by Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution.  
• It is recognized as one of the most heavily armed non-state actors globally, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).  
• Several countries, including the United States and Israel, have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.

What are the Principles of India's Foreign Policy? 

• Panchsheel (Five Principles): It was first formalised in the 1954 Agreement on Trade between India and the Tibet region of China, forming the foundation of India's international relations. These principles are: 
  • Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty 
  • Mutual non-aggression 
  • Non-interference in internal affairs 
  • Equality and mutual benefit 
  • Peaceful co-existence 
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family): India sees the world as a global family, promoting harmony, collective growth, and trust among nations, aligned with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas. 
  • The Gujral Doctrine is a set of 5 principles to guide India's foreign relations with its immediate neighbours, recognizing the supreme importance of friendly, cordial relations. These 5 principles are: 
    • India extends support to neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka without expecting reciprocity, acting in good faith and trust. 
    • No South Asian country should allow its territory to be used against the interests of another in the region. 
    • Countries should refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another. 
    • All South Asian nations must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. 
    • Disputes should be resolved peacefully through bilateral negotiations. 
• Proactive and Impartial Assistance: India promotes democracy and development through proactive assistance, but always with the consent of the concerned government.  
  • This emphasises capacity building and institutional strengthening in partner nations, as seen in India’s efforts in Afghanistan. 
• Support for the United Nations: India is a founding member of the United Nations (UN) and supports the purposes and principles of the UN.  
• Strategic Autonomy: It emphasises independent decision-making and India favours partnerships but avoids formal military alliances, maintaining flexibility in its international engagements. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims 

Q 1. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (2015)  

(a) Syria  

(b) Jordan  

(c) Lebanon  

(d) Israel  

Ans: (b)  

Q2. The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (2018) 

(a) China  

(b) Israel  

(c) Iraq  

(d) Yemen  

Ans: (b)

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Mains

Q . “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)