Lebanon: Anatomy of a war - The "Dahiya Doctrine" explained | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Hezbollah: An Iran-backed Shiite militia and political party in Lebanon, classified as a terrorist organization in the West but viewed by many in Lebanon as a resistance movement against Israel.
• Axis of Resistance: An alliance of Iran-backed militias in the region, including Hezbollah, aimed at deterring Israel.
• Dahi Doctrine: A strategy attributed to Israel, involving making civilian life unbearable to turn the population against their leaders.
• Bunker Buster Bombs: Specially designed bombs that penetrate the ground before exploding, used by Israel against Hezbollah's underground facilities.
• UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon): A UN peacekeeping mission established to monitor the border between Lebanon and Israel and prevent conflict.
• Balance of Terror Doctrine: A strategy employed by Iran and its allies to deter adversaries through the threat of overwhelming retaliation.

Jitalawi Hospital and Civilian Casualties

Jitalawi Hospital in Beirut is Lebanon's sole facility for treating severe burn injuries. Following Israeli attacks in the fall of 2024, critically injured individuals, including children, were brought there. The conflict, triggered by events of October 7th, 2023, resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties, with approximately a quarter being women or children. A notable case is 2-year-old Ivana, who suffered burns to 40% of her skin. Her family, displaced from their home, expressed fear and questioned their involvement in the conflict.

Israeli Strategy and Destruction of Urban Structures

International experts suggest that Israel's widespread destruction of urban structures in targeted Lebanese districts is a deliberate strategy to alienate the population from Hezbollah. Entire apartment blocks were destroyed, and while a ceasefire was agreed upon in November 2024, it remained fragile as of October 2025.

Ivana's Story and the Impact of War

Ivana's life was saved, but her injuries will have lifelong consequences. Her family's home was rendered uninhabitable after an Israeli missile struck a nearby garage used as a Hezbollah weapons cache. Ivana's mother recounted the terrifying experience of the explosion and witnessing her daughter engulfed in flames. The family expressed their disapproval of storing ammunition in residential areas, even while not opposing the resistance.

William Shabas on War Crimes and Proportionality

William Shabas, a Canadian war crimes expert, criticized the Israeli army's actions, stating that attacking even an enemy when civilian damage outweighs military advantage is unacceptable. He highlighted the immense burden placed on civilians and characterized Israel's actions as deliberate. Shabas emphasized that the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the resulting casualties, especially when using weapons like bunker busters in urban environments, raise serious questions about proportionality and adherence to the laws of war.

Hezbollah's Structure and the "Axis of Resistance"

Hezbollah is described as a militia, an armed organization operating from within the community, rather than a regular army. This structure means that Israeli strikes against Hezbollah often result in civilian casualties. The "Axis of Resistance," a network of Iran-backed militias stretching from Iran to Gaza, is a key element of Iran's strategy to deter Israel and implement its "balance of terror" doctrine.

The Escalation of Conflict in 2024

The war intensified in September 2024 when, after months of fighting Hamas in Gaza, the Israeli army turned its attention to Hezbollah. The offensive began with a coordinated explosion of Hezbollah pagers, indicating years of Israeli intelligence preparation. This was followed by intensive bombardment of Lebanon, forcing approximately 1 million people to flee. The Lebanese state, weakened by a presidential vacancy and financial crisis, was unable to prevent the escalation.

Benjamin Netanyahu's Stance and Operation "New Order"

Despite diplomatic efforts by France and the US to secure a ceasefire statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly, his speech was aggressive and focused on escalation. Simultaneously, a military operation codenamed "New Order" was launched, with Netanyahu ordering the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah from the US.

Assassination Attempt on Hassan Nasrallah and Bunker Buster Usage

Israel located Nasrallah's underground headquarters, despite his years of public absence. The operation involved dropping 80 tons of bombs, destroying three blocks of homes to target one individual. The use of bunker buster bombs, designed to penetrate deep into the ground before detonation, was a key feature of the Israeli offensive. While effective against military objectives, their use in urban areas leads to significant civilian casualties. The exact number of victims of the Nasrallah assassination attempt remains undetermined.

The Dahi Doctrine and its Evolution

The "Dahi doctrine," originating from the 2006 conflict where Israel bombarded Beirut's southern suburb of Dahi, aims to make civilian life unbearable to turn the population against their leaders. This strategy, widely condemned for violating international law, was described as being implemented "on steroids" during the 2024 conflict. Israel's approach involved attacking anything remotely associated with Hezbollah, including civilian infrastructure.

Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure and Humanitarian Aid

The Israeli army's definition of legitimate targets was broad, encompassing schools attended by children of Hezbollah members and municipalities run by individuals deemed close to the organization. The bombing of the town hall in Nabatia, which killed the mayor and others, was cited as an example of targeting humanitarian efforts. Amnesty International reported that over a dozen people were killed in this attack, with further strikes hitting rescue workers.

International Law and Proportionality

The conflict raises significant questions about adherence to international law, particularly the principle of proportionality. While Israel asserts its right to self-defense, critics argue that its methods in the conflict are inconsistent with the laws of war. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, including ambulances and hospitals, with hundreds of attacks documented, further exacerbates these concerns.

William Shabas's Resignation and Accusations of Bias

William Shabas, a Canadian of Jewish faith, was appointed by the UN to investigate possible Israeli war crimes in Gaza in 2014 but resigned due to accusations of bias from Israel. He refuted the "self-hating Jew" label, emphasizing his pride in his roots and family history, including Holocaust survivors. Shabas stated that human rights violations were evident in the military activities of Israel.

The Israeli-Lebanese Border and Evacuations

The Israeli-Lebanese border lacks a legally defined boundary, with a 120 km demarcation line monitored by UN peacekeepers. Hezbollah's attacks on Israel have resulted in civilian casualties and the evacuation of approximately 60,000 Israeli citizens from the border region. In Lebanon, Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of entire Shiite-majority areas, leading to immense destruction in southern villages.

The Role of UNIFIL and Violations of Ceasefire

UNIFIL's mission is to monitor the border and prevent conflict, but it has come under fire from both sides. Israel views UNIFIL as a human shield for Hezbollah, while UNIFIL has documented numerous ceasefire violations, predominantly by Israel. The presence of UN peacekeepers is seen as crucial for monitoring and acting as a referee in the conflict.

Strengthening the Lebanese Army and Disarmament of Hezbollah

Experts believe that strengthening the Lebanese army and persuading Hezbollah to lay down its arms are crucial for stability. However, the Lebanese state lacks the financial resources to adequately support its army. Israel has historically prevented the establishment of a capable Lebanese army, fearing a Lebanese attack.

The Aftermath of the War and Recruitment Peaks

The recent war has significantly weakened Hezbollah, but it has also led to increased recruitment, often as a spontaneous response to Israeli attacks. Despite military setbacks and the loss of key leaders, Hezbollah remains a deeply embedded societal movement. The conflict has also seen Iran's role as a financier of non-state actors questioned.

Conclusion: A Cycle of Violence and the Need for a Strong Lebanon

The conflict highlights a cycle of violence where Israeli actions, while weakening Hezbollah militarily, often lead to increased societal support for the group. The destruction of Lebanon and the displacement of its population have created a generation disillusioned with international human rights. For lasting peace, experts suggest that Israel must accept a strong Lebanon with a capable army, rather than a weak state that fosters militias. The war's conclusion saw a fragile ceasefire, with Israel continuing to occupy positions in southern Lebanon and bombing the country. The future stability of the region hinges on a balanced approach that ensures the security and comfort of both Israelis and Lebanese.