The causalities of this war or conflict were about 1000 people. The biggest numbers of these deaths were Lebanese. As a result of these events or tragedies, the UN Security Council approved UN resolution 1701 in an effort to end hostilities. The resolution called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israel from Lebanon, and finally, to place UNIFIL force in southern Lebanon to act as a buffer between the two. After the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the Lebanese government, and the UNIFIL, both said that they will not disarm Hezbollah.
Hezbollah called this attack on Israeli troops, and villages, "Operation Truthful Promise", after Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallahs desire to seize Israeli soldiers and swap them with four prisoners he had in mind, which were: Samir Kuntar- a convicted murderer, Nasim Nasr - a convicted spy, Yahya Sfak - an alleged terrorist, Ali Faratan - held for unknown reasons
Many, of course, are asking why did Nasrallah seize Israeli troops instead of negotiating for a swap?
Nasrallahs answer to this is that Israel had broken a previous agreement to release these prisoners, and so, in Nasrallahs opinion, since diplomacy failed, violence was the only remaining option. Nasrallah also promised that no military operation could save the Israeli troops/ however if Israel seeks to gain the release of its soldiers, indirect negotiations and trade of prisoners is its only peaceful option.
In addition to that Israel held the Lebanese government responsible for the attack. This was due because Lebanon failed to put resolution 1559 into practice, which was to disarm Hezbollah. In addition to that, President Emilie Lahoud stated his full support for Hezbollah on July 31st-2007.
Although Israel didn’t wage war on Lebanon, and attacked Lebanese governmental institutions which were thought to be used by Hezbollah, Lebanon's government played a decisive role in determining the conflict, where on July 14th the prime ministers office issued a statement that called on U.S president George W Bush to put in all his efforts to stop attacks from Israel on Lebanon, and reach a ceasefire.
The Prime Minister, Siniora, also called for an immediate ceasefire which was backed by the U.N. many Lebanese people accused the U.S government for stalling the ceasefire process, and for supporting the state of Israel. Siniora also cancelled a meeting with Condoleezza Rice, and thanked Hezbollah for its "sacrifices for the independence of Lebanon".
