Operation Grapes of Wrath: Israel Strikes Hezbollah
Israel launches major operation against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, escalating proxy conflict
Israel launched Operation Grapes of Wrath on April 11, 1996, a major military campaign against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the Iran-Israel proxy conflict.
Operation Objectives
Israel’s stated goals for the campaign:
- Stop Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel
- Destroy Iranian weapons supply lines
- Force Lebanese government to control Hezbollah
- Demonstrate Israeli deterrent capability
Military Campaign
Scope of Israeli operations:
- Airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon
- Bombardment of Bekaa Valley training camps
- Targeting of Iranian arms shipments
- Naval blockade of Lebanese coast
Iranian Response
Iran’s support for Hezbollah during the operation:
- Increased weapons shipments through Syria
- Revolutionary Guards advisors in Lebanon
- Financial support for resistance operations
- Diplomatic pressure through regional allies
Hezbollah Tactics
Iranian proxy’s response to Israeli campaign:
- Katyusha rocket attacks on northern Israeli towns
- Guerrilla warfare against Israeli positions
- Use of civilian areas for military operations
- International media campaign against Israel
Qana Massacre
Tragic incident that changed operation dynamics:
- Israeli shelling of UN compound in Qana
- 106 Lebanese civilians killed
- International outcry against Israeli actions
- Shift in global opinion against the operation
International Intervention
External pressure to end the conflict:
- US diplomatic intervention
- UN calls for ceasefire
- French mediation efforts
- Arab League condemnation of Israeli actions
April Understanding
Ceasefire agreement ending the operation:
- Monitoring group established
- Commitment to avoid civilian targets
- Mechanisms for complaint resolution
- Recognition of resistance rights in occupied territory
Strategic Outcomes
Results of the 16-day campaign:
- Hezbollah emerged stronger politically
- Iranian proxy model validated
- Israel’s deterrence temporarily restored
- Civilian casualties undermined Israeli position
Long-term Implications
The operation’s lasting impact:
- Established rules of engagement for future conflicts
- Strengthened Hezbollah’s popular support
- Enhanced Iranian influence in Lebanon
- Created precedent for limited war scenarios
Operation Grapes of Wrath demonstrated the complexity of fighting Iranian proxies and the challenges Israel faced in countering Iran’s asymmetric warfare strategy.