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2006 Lebanon War: Difference between revisions

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Israeli forces, equipped with Merkava tanks, considered them a stronghold. However, Hezbollah effectively destroyed these tanks with its missiles, inflicting significant casualties on the enemy. In addition, Hezbollah succeeded in downing an Israeli helicopter.
Israeli forces, equipped with Merkava tanks, considered them a stronghold. However, Hezbollah effectively destroyed these tanks with its missiles, inflicting significant casualties on the enemy. In addition, Hezbollah succeeded in downing an Israeli helicopter.
==Damage and Casualties==
The scale of material and human losses on both sides was vastly different. Israel, utilizing its military superiority, dealt severe blows and significant casualties to Lebanon and its people. The destruction was so extensive that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah remarked in an interview that they never expected the capture of these two soldiers would lead to such widespread devastation, implying that the war's consequences had been planned from the outset.
===Casualties and Damage in Lebanon===
During the war, Israel dropped approximately 4.8 million cluster bombs. On average, there were 270 air sorties each day, resulting in widespread destruction. Experts have identified two main objectives behind these attacks:
#Conducting airstrikes across various areas to eliminate Hezbollah's capabilities and facilitate the entry of Israeli ground forces into Lebanon.
#Applying pressure on the Lebanese government and people to turn public opinion against Hezbollah, compelling the group to comply with Israel's demands.
The airstrikes particularly targeted Shiite-populated areas. As a result, 15,000 homes were completely destroyed. Thirty-one critical infrastructures, including airports, commercial and fishing ports, hydraulic stations, an oil refinery, and a power plant, were entirely wiped out. Additionally, 80 bridges and around 90 businesses sustained severe damage. Two hospitals were completely destroyed, while three others were significantly impacted.
In total, 1,183 Lebanese civilians lost their lives in the conflict, with one-third of them being children. Hezbollah has not released official casualty figures, but some experts estimate that approximately 180 of its members were killed, based on the number of funerals held for its members.
===Casualties and Damage in Israel===
During the war, Hezbollah launched approximately 4,000 missiles at Israel, resulting in 165 Israeli fatalities. Throughout the conflict, 56 Merkava IV tanks were targeted, some of which were later repaired. Additionally, a Saar 5-class corvette, a Super Dvora patrol boat, and one helicopter were also hit.
Some military experts argue that this war, unlike previous conflicts, not only engaged the Israeli military but also deeply affected the Israeli public. Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli territory underscored the harsh reality that war could directly impact civilians, delivering a significant blow to national morale and shifting public perceptions of security in Israel.
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