Is Israel also at war with the Lebanese state?

The Israeli military’s operations in Lebanon have increasingly affected the Lebanese state’s security apparatus, including the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Security, and the Internal Security Forces. 

Bassel Doueik, Lebanon and Jordan Researcher at ACLED, said: 

“Since the start of hostilities on 2 March, Israeli forces have struck Lebanese security forces in at least 21 instances, resulting in the death of 30 personnel and the injury of 17 others. 13 General Security agents were killed on 10 April alone, in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting the Serail building in Nabatiye city.  Other Israeli drone strikes have targeted vehicles carrying LAF soldiers in uniform in southern Lebanon. On 28 May, one LAF soldier and one officer were killed along the Deir Ez Zahrani - Zefta highway. 

“The attacks are inconsistent with the Israeli government’s claims that its operations are solely  against Hezbollah and its infrastructure. Such targeting is considered a direct attack against the Lebanese government, which contradicts a public statement on 14 April, where a senior US official said that Israel's position was that "Israel is not at war with Lebanon, but with Hezbollah.” 

“The strategic implications of these events extend beyond casualties. Since late 2024, the Lebanese government has been adamant on asserting state authority, restricting arms to state security services and expanding the LAF’s role south of the Litani River, making attacks on the Lebanese security apparatus particularly consequential. By targeting security forces operating in areas historically dominated by Hezbollah, these incidents not only erode the operational capacity and morale of the institutions tasked with extending state authority, but also complicate the government's broader effort to consolidate control. 

"Lebanon’s political leadership are navigating an increasingly difficult position,  as setbacks to the state’s security project lend credibility to Hezbollah’s longstanding argument that military force, rather than diplomacy or state institutions, remains the only effective means of deterring Israel.”

For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact the ACLED Press Office.