Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon is drawing parallels with its 1982 campaign, and could prove even worse as it becomes more protracted, European officials told Middle East Eye.
For many Lebanese, the broad scope of Israel’s military campaign in recent weeks already recalls its 18-year occupation of the south of their country, which ended after years of confrontation with Hezbollah forced Israeli troops to withdraw in 2000.
This time, Beirut has taken unprecedented steps that include opening the door to direct engagement with Israel.
"But the Israelis do not seem to care about any of this," a European official with knowledge on the matter said.
As in the past, Israeli officials have made clear they have a military plan for southern Lebanon and intend to carry it out, he added.
Tel Aviv viewed the offer as too little, too late – given Beirut’s inability to rein in Hezbollah since the end of the last war, in November 2024.