10 Things You Didn't Know About Israel and Lebanon

When most people think of Israel and Lebanon, they think of conflict. But the truth is more complex, and it is full of moments of cooperation. Here are ten things you didn't know about the unique and sometimes surprising ties between these two neighboring countries.

1. Ancient Trade Routes

Long before modern borders were drawn, ancient trade routes connected the lands that are now Israel and Lebanon. The Phoenicians were a seafaring people from what is now Lebanon. They traded widely with the ancient Israelites. These routes carried goods, ideas, and cultures, creating a rich line of shared history.

It is documented in the Book of 1 Kings and 2 Kings how Phoenician capitals had relations with King David and King Solomon. Solomon even married women from Sidon.

2. Shared Mediterranean Culture

Both Israel and Lebanon share a Mediterranean lifestyle. It is built on family, delicious food, and vibrant traditions. Whether it’s the hummus or the Lebanese tabbouleh, our cuisines are strikingly similar. Both celebrate fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

The markets of Tel Aviv and Beirut could almost be mirror images. They are filled with the same spices, textiles, and local delicacies. Today, Israel is the most free country in the Middle East. But in the past, Lebanon was probably nearly as free as Israel is today. Its former nickname was the Switzerland of the Middle East.

We in Israel hope that one day Lebanon will be free once again.

3. Cooperation During the Lebanese Civil War

During the Lebanese Civil War, from 1975 to 1990, Israel supported certain Lebanese factions. The goal was to stabilize the region and stop the spread of radical Islamist influence. This cooperation included humanitarian aid and medical help. In fact, many wounded Lebanese civilians were treated in Israeli hospitals. This side of Israel is often ignored by the international media. But I am sure the Lebanese families whose lives Israel saved remember it to this day.

4. South Lebanon Army

The South Lebanon Army (SLA) was formed in 1976. It was a mostly Christian militia made up mainly of Lebanese soldiers. They opposed the presence and influence of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in southern Lebanon, and later of Hezbollah.

The SLA was formed to protect its communities from militant attacks. It also sought to keep some self rule in a region torn by violence and instability. Over the years, the SLA became a key ally of Israel. It gave vital ground support and intelligence during the conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

One notable story of cooperation between the SLA and Israel took place in 1982, during the Lebanon War. The SLA and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out Operation Peace for Galilee together. Their goal was to push PLO forces out of southern Lebanon. The SLA knew the area and the terrain well, and this was invaluable to Israeli forces. It helped key military operations that greatly weakened the PLO's foothold in the region.

Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000. Afterward, many SLA members and their families faced harsh revenge. It came from Hezbollah and other factions, as punishment for working with Israel. To protect them, Israel granted asylum to around 7,000 SLA members and their families.

Today, these former SLA fighters and their descendants live across Israel. They are part of Israeli society while keeping their own cultural identity. This community is living proof of the deep ties Israel and the SLA built through years of shared struggle and cooperation.

5. Rescue Operations

During the Lebanese Civil War, and before it, Israel worked hard to rescue Jews from Lebanon. One notable example was a secret mission in the 1970s to evacuate Lebanese Jews from Beirut. As the war grew worse and antisemitic threats rose, Beirut's Jewish community faced immediate danger. Israel responded with a series of daring operations to get these people out.

Israeli intelligence agents and special forces planned complex rescue missions, often under the cover of night. They moved Jewish families through secret routes and safe houses. This helped them avoid detection by hostile factions.

Many of the rescued Lebanese Jews and their descendants now live in Israel. They add to the nation's cultural diversity and preserve their unique heritage.

6. Jewish Community in Lebanon

Lebanon was once home to a vibrant, thriving Jewish community with roots going back to ancient times. By the middle of the 20th century, this community had grown a lot. An estimated 15,000 Jews lived in the country.

Most of them lived in Beirut, where they were well integrated into the social and economic life of the city. The Maghen Abraham Synagogue was built in 1925 in the Wadi Abu Jamil neighborhood. It was the heart of the community. It served as a place of worship and also as a cultural and social center.

The Jewish community in Lebanon began to shrink quickly after the State of Israel was founded in 1948. The decline continued with the Arab Israeli conflicts that followed. Many left for Israel, Europe, and the Americas in search of safety and stability. Despite this decline, the Maghen Abraham Synagogue remains a moving symbol of the once flourishing Jewish life in Lebanon.

Recent restoration efforts have aimed to preserve this historic site, honoring the legacy and cultural heritage of Lebanese Jewry.

7. Humanitarian Aid After Beirut Explosions

In a rare act of compassion, Israel offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the Beirut port explosions on August 4, 2020. The blasts killed dozens and injured thousands. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu coordinated the effort with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. They worked through the United Nations and international mediators. They offered medical help despite the long hostility between the two countries.

This move showed Israel's commitment to humanitarian aid, even to an "enemy state". Lebanon had not officially responded. Still, Israel's offer marked a moment of solidarity and empathy in the face of tragedy.

8. Potential Environmental Collaboration

Israel and Lebanon face major environmental challenges, especially with water. Lebanon gets fairly high rainfall each year. Yet it struggles with water shortages because of poor water management and pollution.

Israeli advances in water conservation and management are also recognized around the world. These include drip irrigation and desalination. They could serve as valuable models for Lebanon (one day I hope). These technologies have helped Israel turn dry regions into productive farmland. They offer possible solutions to Lebanon’s water management challenges.

9. Cultural Similarities

Lebanese and Israelis share many cultural similarities. Both cultures have rich traditions in music and dance, like the Lebanese Dabke and the Israeli Hora. Both our peoples love life.

Family plays a central role in both cultures. Both place great value on family bonds, respect for elders, and hospitality. The arts also serve as a bridge between the two cultures. Filmmakers, musicians, and artists explore themes of identity, conflict, and coexistence.

10. Vision for the Future

Despite the political tensions, many Israelis and Lebanese dream of a future of peaceful coexistence. This vision is rooted in their shared history and cultural similarities. Grassroots movements and peace initiatives have worked tirelessly to build dialogue and understanding between the two peoples. Their aim is to build bridges rather than walls.

In the Bible, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a time when "nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:4). This vision of peace is not just a distant dream. It is a real possibility, rooted in what Israel and Lebanon have in common.

Our peoples are more similar than different. Both Israelis and Lebanese have shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and a passion for life. We share a love for family, tradition, and community. Our histories have been linked for thousands of years. Our futures could be just as connected if we choose cooperation over conflict.

I hope we talk more about building a future where Israel and Lebanon stand together in friendship and mutual respect. This is not only possible but necessary for the peace and prosperity of the region.

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