IDF Releases Key Documents Marking 20 Years Since Second Lebanon War

On the 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, which began on July 12, 2006, and lasted 34 days until August 14, 2006, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have publicly released dramatic historical documents detailing pivotal moments of the conflict. Among these are the original General Staff operational order, codenamed "Deserved Reward," and an official IDF spokesperson statement from August 12, 2006, announcing the cabinet's decision to expand ground operations toward the Litani River.

The operational order reveals that the IDF prepared for simultaneous campaigns in Lebanon and Gaza, triggered by the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, and a large-scale Hezbollah attack that killed three soldiers and harmed Israeli civilians. The August 12 statement explained that ground forces, supported by air and naval units, would operate in areas from which rockets were launched into Israel, aiming to reduce attacks on northern Israeli communities and deepen the blow to Hezbollah.

The war was the first large-scale confrontation between a regular army and a non-state actor, featuring extensive air campaigns, complex ground maneuvers, and significant attacks on civilian rear areas. The Israeli Air Force conducted thousands of sorties targeting strategic Hezbollah sites and rocket launchers, while ground troops engaged in intense battles in villages such as Maroun al-Ras and Bint Jbeil. The conflict resulted in 121 Israeli soldiers and 68 civilians killed.

The war erupted following the kidnappings and rocket barrages, evolving into a major military operation reaching the Litani River to halt rocket terrorism against northern towns. The documents also highlight that the IDF managed concurrent operations in Gaza, including Operation "Strong Cliff," linked to the Gilad Shalit kidnapping. These records provide insight into the IDF's adaptive tactics and command improvements implemented in subsequent years.