Twenty years later: IDF releases directives to start Second Lebanon War and advance toward Litani

The 34-day war followed a combined Hezbollah attack on northern Israel on the morning of July 12, 2006, targeting both IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.

IDF soldiers operate against Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon, June 21, 2026.

(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

JULY 12, 2026 08:22

The IDF on Sunday released two formerly classified documents from the start of the 2006 Second Lebanon War to mark the conflict's 20th anniversary.

The materials feature the general staff directives, titled "Operation Just Remission," authorizing IDF actions in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, along with the mid-conflict instruction to broaden ground operations in southern Lebanon up to the Litani River.

The 34-day war followed a combined Hezbollah attack on northern Israel on the morning of July 12, 2006, targeting both IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.

Near the border fence between the villages of Shtoula and Zar'it, Hezbollah struck an IDF patrol and abducted two soldiers: Eldad Regev (26) from Kiryat Motzkin, and Ehud Goldwasser (31) from Nahariya.

Eight soldiers were killed and several others wounded, according to the published general staff order.

At the same time, Hezbollah launched a rocket barrage at northern Israeli communities, killing six civilians.

Further, the order notes the Israel Air Force preparations to hit targets in Lebanese territory and the IDF readiness for additional Hezbollah rocket attacks on the North.

Second Lebanon War operations advance toward Litani River

The second document released is the IDF spokesperson statement from August 12, 2006, outlining the cabinet decision to widen ground operations in Lebanon toward the Litani River in coordination with the IAF and Israeli navy.

The stated objective was to act in zones used for rocket launches against Israel, lessen attacks on Israeli civilians, and increase harm to the Hezbollah organization.

"Today we believe in the threat - much more than we believed then," a senior IDF official shared with Walla. "Today there is no such thing as no response."

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.