ABSTRACT
South Lebanon is a distinctive entity and battleground dates effectively from about 1970. Between 1970 and the major Israeli invasion of 1982, the area endured almost continuous turmoil as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict. In 1973, the Maronite militia first came into conflict with the Palestinian guerrillas and in the following few years a number of more extreme organisations emerged. In response to this and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) attacks across the boundary, Israeli forces invaded as far north as the Litani River. The result was that at the ceasefire of July 1978, the key military positions were handed over to the Lebanese Christian militia and a semi-independent state of Free Lebanon was established. The name of Qana remains symbolic throughout the Arab world. Furthermore, Hezbollah may now be not only militarily stronger but also more effective than the Israeli army and the SLA in South Lebanon. Israel continues to suffer regular military losses in South Lebanon.
