Back to Basics: A Study of the Second Lebanon War and Operation CAST LEAD

Abstract

The Israeli incursions into Lebanon in mid-2006 and into Gaza in late 2008/early-2009 are important studies in contrasts. During the first, often termed "the Second Lebanon War," Hezbollah fought Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) seeking hostage rescue and retribution to a bloody standstill. During the second, Hamas enjoyed far less success against the same forces avowedly in pursuit of only self-defense. These and other differences notwithstanding, the two conflicts are both similar and linked in several important respects. Each witnessed protagonists that were anxious -- even desperate -- to win prestige and demonstrate the capacity to safeguard survival. Each also confronted a conventional armed force with antagonists, Hezbollah and Hamas, which are possible prototypes for the non-state adversaries the US could face in the future.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA498599

Entities

People

  • Abe F. Marrero
  • Matt M. Matthews
  • Michael D. Snyder
  • Penny L. Mellies
  • Scott C. Farquhar

Organizations

  • United States Army Combined Arms Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Combat Areas
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Health Services
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Precision-Guided Munitions
  • Terrorists
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Strategic Security Studies