Israeli invasion of Lebanon could be worse than 1982, warn European officials

Israeli invasion of Lebanon could be worse than 1982, warn European officials Submitted by Ragip Soylu on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 10:32 Israel’s offensive risks a protracted war as Hezbollah resists in the south An Israeli tank manoeuvers on the Israeli side of the Lebanese-Israeli border, 12 March 2026 (Reuters) Off Israel ’s invasion of southern Lebanon is drawing parallels with its 1982 campaign, and could prove even worse as it becomes more protracted, European officials told Middle East Eye. For many Lebanese, the broad scope of Israel’s military campaign in recent weeks already recalls its 18-year occupation of the south of their country, which ended after years of confrontation with Hezbollah forced Israeli troops to withdraw in 2000. This time, Beirut has taken unprecedented steps that include opening the door to direct engagement with Israel.