Israeli troops withdrew from southern Lebanon, concluding a controversial military occupation that began in 1978. The operation was initially intended to combat Palestinian militants, but over the years, it evolved into a struggle against various Lebanese factions, primarily Hezbollah, which emerged as a significant force resisting Israeli presence. The occupation faced immense opposition from the Lebanese populace and was marked by various military skirmishes and loss of life on both sides.

The decision to withdraw gained momentum in the late 1990s, driven by domestic pressures within Israel and an evolving regional landscape, including shifting alliances and the need for Israel to focus resources elsewhere. As Israeli forces began to retreat, Hezbollah intensified its military actions, aligning itself with calls for liberation. The withdrawal was completed rapidly, leading to celebrations among supporters of Hezbollah and increased tension among Israel's allies in the region.

The aftermath of the withdrawal saw Hezbollah consolidating its power and gaining substantial political capital, leading to a reconfiguration of Lebanese politics. The power vacuum created by the departure of Israeli forces raised concerns about security and governance in southern Lebanon but also signaled a major reshaping of the Israeli-Lebanese conflict dynamics.