After the war · From the books
Israel bombs the south and reinforces its positions at Shebaa.
Search the chronologies
all by dates · all chronologieschronologiesallThe road to war 1968–1974The Lebanese war 1975–1990After the war 1991–2005July 2006, as the books tell it 2006Since 2005 2005–2025
167 entries on 98 dates · the books disagree on 44
dates 1–60 of 98 next
February 2003
Friday, 28 February 2003
April 2003
Sunday, 13 April 2003
After the war · From the books
'Remember, so as not to return': a campaign for a national day of memory.
In al-Safir leading politicians openly backed remembering the war for the first time. On 13 April hundreds gathered in Martyrs' Square, handing out flowers and collecting signatures for a national memory day and a memorial; earlier, the Association Mémoire pour l'Avenir and the families' Committee had screened war documentaries unseen in Lebanon at Masrah al-Medina.
In al-Safir leading politicians openly backed remembering the war for the first time. On 13 April hundreds gathered in Martyrs' Square, handing out flowers and collecting signatures for a national memory day and a memorial; earlier, the Association Mémoire pour l'Avenir and the families' Committee had screened war documentaries unseen in Lebanon at Masrah al-Medina.
Art and memory
- place Architect Mona El-Hallak came upon the Barakat building, above the old demarcation line at Sodeco, in 1996, and from 1997 led APSAD's campaign to save it. In 2003 the municipality expropriated it for $3 million for Beit Beirut.
- film Films Haugbolle cites on postwar amnesia include Ghassan Salhab's Beyrouth Fantôme (1999) and Terra Incognita (2002); the novel Ya Salam (1999) by Najwa Barakat follows former militiamen in peacetime.
Other date in the books: Tuesday, 8 April 2003
April 2003: day not established
After the war · From the books
A replica of the 1975 bus becomes a memory installation in Beirut.
Hassan Saouli deliberately kept graphic images out: to mark 28 years since 13 April, he parked a bus of the 1975 model on a central Beirut street, with videos and texts on guilt and forgiveness inside.
Hassan Saouli deliberately kept graphic images out: to mark 28 years since 13 April, he parked a bus of the 1975 model on a central Beirut street, with videos and texts on guilt and forgiveness inside.
May 2003
Tuesday, 27 May 2003
After the war · From the books
Ghassan Tueni answers a Syrian general's threats against the Lebanese.
In al-Nahar Ghassan Tueni addressed Bashar al-Assad as an equal, protesting at threats against the Lebanese by General Bahjat Sleiman, Syria's intelligence chief.
In al-Nahar Ghassan Tueni addressed Bashar al-Assad as an equal, protesting at threats against the Lebanese by General Bahjat Sleiman, Syria's intelligence chief.
June 2003
June 2003: day not established
After the war · From the books
Nada Sahnaoui's installation 'Atadhakkar' (I remember) opens in Martyrs' Square.
Sahnaoui set readers' memories of prewar downtown on 360 newspaper stacks, leaving a few stacks bare for what had been erased.
Sahnaoui set readers' memories of prewar downtown on 360 newspaper stacks, leaving a few stacks bare for what had been erased.
Sources differ: Opening in June 2003 (p. 132); the photograph is dated July 2003.
Art and memory
- artwork Nada Sahnaoui's earlier work 'Statistics' listed war casualty figures from the press; Haugbolle's note points to 111101's Artworks section.
After the war · From the books
A Kataeb memorial in Ashrafieh is pulled down for luxury flats.
A 1986 site for local fighters, it had lost its point once many of their families left in 1989-90, the mukhtar said.
A 1986 site for local fighters, it had lost its point once many of their families left in 1989-90, the mukhtar said.
September 2003
September 2003: day not established
After the war · From the books
Soldiers fire on Hezbollah members in a poster fight at Jiba.
In Jiba, Hezbollah members objected to Amal's pictures of Imam Musa Sadr; in the ensuing brawl the army fired on Hezbollah, a first in over ten years: one dead, two wounded.
In Jiba, Hezbollah members objected to Amal's pictures of Imam Musa Sadr; in the ensuing brawl the army fired on Hezbollah, a first in over ten years: one dead, two wounded.
After the war · From the books
A by-election sets off a poster war in Gemmayzeh.
In Jummayza's September 2003 by-election, posters of Aoun's Hikmat Dib, the jailed Geagea and Bashir Gemayel were torn or mocked daily: Christian memory, divided.
In Jummayza's September 2003 by-election, posters of Aoun's Hikmat Dib, the jailed Geagea and Bashir Gemayel were torn or mocked daily: Christian memory, divided.
October 2003
Monday, 27 October 2003
After the war · From the books
Hezbollah attacks Israeli positions at Shebaa; Israel raids near villages.
November 2003
November 2003: day not established
After the war · From the books
A public hearing on 'understanding the war' turns into a shouting match.
Two women broke into the Association Mémoire pour l'Avenir's hearing for students and war witnesses: one abused Samir Kassir for attacking Syria; a mother blamed a former Kataeb editor for her son's killing.
Two women broke into the Association Mémoire pour l'Avenir's hearing for students and war witnesses: one abused Samir Kassir for attacking Syria; a mother blamed a former Kataeb editor for her son's killing.
December 2003
December 2003: day not established
After the war · From the books
The US Congress passes the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act.
It demanded a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon and allowed for sanctions, partly applied from spring 2004.
It demanded a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon and allowed for sanctions, partly applied from spring 2004.
Sources differ: Passed in November (Haugbolle) or December 2003 (Picard, 33 jours); sanctions from April (Picard) or May 2004 (33 jours).
January 2006
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Serge Brammertz replaces Detlev Mehlis as head of the UN Hariri inquiry.
The Belgian prosecutor took charge of the international inquiry into Rafic Hariri's assassination, as Kofi Annan had requested.
The Belgian prosecutor took charge of the international inquiry into Rafic Hariri's assassination, as Kofi Annan had requested.
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Thousands protest at the US embassy against American interference.
The demonstration in front of the US embassy was peaceful.
The demonstration in front of the US embassy was peaceful.
February 2006
Thursday, 2 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
The Shiite ministers return to the cabinet.
Their boycott, begun after Tueni's assassination, ended after some seven weeks.
Their boycott, begun after Tueni's assassination, ended after some seven weeks.
Sources differ: Abirached's dates imply a boycott of about seven weeks; Picard's chapter speaks of several months.
Sunday, 5 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Protesters attack the Danish consulate in Achrafieh.
Cars, shops and building entrances in Achrafieh, a Christian district, were wrecked when hundreds of protesters, furious at the Danish cartoons of the Prophet, tried to storm Denmark's consulate there. For Picard, the protests revived Christian fears of an 'Islamist' threat.
Cars, shops and building entrances in Achrafieh, a Christian district, were wrecked when hundreds of protesters, furious at the Danish cartoons of the Prophet, tried to storm Denmark's consulate there. For Picard, the protests revived Christian fears of an 'Islamist' threat.
Monday, 6 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Michel Aoun and Hassan Nasrallah sign their memorandum of understanding.
At the church of Mar Mikhael, on the old Chiyah–Ain al-Rummaneh demarcation line, Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah signed a memorandum of understanding covering the electoral law, Hezbollah's weapons and relations with Syria. The alliance lasted until the 2020 crisis.
At the church of Mar Mikhael, on the old Chiyah–Ain al-Rummaneh demarcation line, Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah signed a memorandum of understanding covering the electoral law, Hezbollah's weapons and relations with Syria. The alliance lasted until the 2020 crisis.
Sources differ: 6 February in three sources against 5 February in the introduction to 33 jours. The church is placed 'in the southern suburb' by de Clerck & Malsagne and 'on the old demarcation line' by Mermier & Picard.
Tuesday, 14 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Hundreds of thousands mark the first anniversary of Hariri's death.
On Martyrs' Square, Saad Hariri spoke of national unity.
On Martyrs' Square, Saad Hariri spoke of national unity.
March 2006
Thursday, 2 March 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
The National Dialogue among community leaders opens.
Community leaders, some former warlords, opened a National Dialogue on Syria, militia disarmament and President Lahoud's fate.
Community leaders, some former warlords, opened a National Dialogue on Syria, militia disarmament and President Lahoud's fate.
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
The National Dialogue agrees on three points.
The accord left Hezbollah's arms and the Israeli border aside, but the leaders agreed that Lebanon would deal with Syria as an equal, accept no armed Palestinian presence and regard the Shebaa Farms as Lebanese.
The accord left Hezbollah's arms and the Israeli border aside, but the leaders agreed that Lebanon would deal with Syria as an equal, accept no armed Palestinian presence and regard the Shebaa Farms as Lebanese.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
UN Resolution 1664.
Part of the series of resolutions leading to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Part of the series of resolutions leading to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
April 2006
Monday, 10 April 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Security services announce arrests over a plot against Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanese security services said they had arrested nine people, eight Lebanese and one Palestinian, over a plot against Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanese security services said they had arrested nine people, eight Lebanese and one Palestinian, over a plot against Hassan Nasrallah.
May 2006
Wednesday, 17 May 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
UN Resolution 1680 urges Syria to delimit the border and open diplomatic relations.
Syria was strongly urged to open full diplomatic ties with Lebanon and delimit the border, chiefly where it was unclear or contested.
Syria was strongly urged to open full diplomatic ties with Lebanon and delimit the border, chiefly where it was unclear or contested.
Sources differ: Picard's chapter in 33 jours (p. 84) dates 1680 to 2005, evidently a slip.
Sunday, 28 May 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Rockets on northern Israel bring the heaviest Israeli strikes since 2000.
Rockets fired at an air base near Safad, in northern Israel, brought Israel's most violent response since its 2000 withdrawal: aircraft struck the Aita al-Shaab area and hillsides by Khiam and Chakra in the border zone.
Rockets fired at an air base near Safad, in northern Israel, brought Israel's most violent response since its 2000 withdrawal: aircraft struck the Aita al-Shaab area and hillsides by Khiam and Chakra in the border zone.
Sources differ: Abirached attributes the rockets to Hezbollah; Khayat says nobody claimed them.
May 2006: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
Syrian and Lebanese intellectuals sign the Beirut-Damascus Declaration.
In May 2006 several hundred Lebanese and Syrians signed Michel Kilo's declaration calling for mutual respect of sovereignty, border demarcation, diplomatic relations and democracy in both states; Syria then harassed and arrested signatories, Kilo above all.
In May 2006 several hundred Lebanese and Syrians signed Michel Kilo's declaration calling for mutual respect of sovereignty, border demarcation, diplomatic relations and democracy in both states; Syria then harassed and arrested signatories, Kilo above all.
June 2006
June 2006: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
A television parody of Nasrallah sets off a night of riots.
Hezbollah supporters rioted, reaching Beirut's tourist districts, after a Christian TV channel aired a parody of Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah supporters rioted, reaching Beirut's tourist districts, after a Christian TV channel aired a parody of Hassan Nasrallah.
July 2006
Monday, 10 July 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Metropolis art cinema opens in Hamra.
Hamra, where most of the pre-war cinemas still stood disused, gained an art-house cinema, Metropolis, inside the Theatre de la Ville on 10 July, two days before the war began.
Hamra, where most of the pre-war cinemas still stood disused, gained an art-house cinema, Metropolis, inside the Theatre de la Ville on 10 July, two days before the war began.
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah captures two Israeli soldiers at the border near Zar'it.
Shortly after 9 a.m. a Hezbollah unit ambushed two Israeli army Humvees patrolling the border fence near Zar'it, opposite Ayta al-Shaab, killing three soldiers and taking two wounded reservists, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, into Lebanon under cover of a rocket and mortar barrage. Five more Israeli soldiers died that day, four in a tank blown up during a pursuit across the border and one by mortar fire, bringing the army's dead to eight. Hezbollah announced that it would exchange the captives for prisoners held in Israel.
Shortly after 9 a.m. a Hezbollah unit ambushed two Israeli army Humvees patrolling the border fence near Zar'it, opposite Ayta al-Shaab, killing three soldiers and taking two wounded reservists, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, into Lebanon under cover of a rocket and mortar barrage. Five more Israeli soldiers died that day, four in a tank blown up during a pursuit across the border and one by mortar fire, bringing the army's dead to eight. Hezbollah announced that it would exchange the captives for prisoners held in Israel.
Sources differ: Time: 34 Days (Israeli reconstruction) puts the attack shortly after 9:00; Abirached quotes Hezbollah's statement giving 'around 9:05'; 34 Days dates Al-Manar's announcement to 10:15.
Reports at the time: The archive's first report of the capture comes at 10:40 (Al-Manar via AFP), 25 minutes after the time 34 Days gives for Al-Manar's announcement. The toll of eight soldiers appears only at 22:30, after reports of three (17:10) and four in a tank (18:05). Archive times are wire-feed publication times, not event times.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
First Israeli raids on the South and the coastal bridges.
Israel's 'Just Reward' offensive opened with roughly forty air strikes in the South; its bombing there and in Beirut caused serious damage to infrastructure.
Israel's 'Just Reward' offensive opened with roughly forty air strikes in the South; its bombing there and in Beirut caused serious damage to infrastructure.
Sources differ: Dieckhoff (pdf:192) dates the bombing of bridges and roads across the country from the next day, 13 July.
Reports at the time: The archive records two civilians killed near Ayta al-Shaab at 12:25 on 12 July, strikes on the Zahrani bridge from 17:45 and on Saida's Awali bridge at 22:30.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel's cabinet votes for war; airport and Damascus road approved as targets.
'The Seven', Olmert and six senior ministers, approved strikes that night on Hezbollah's Fajr launchers hidden in homes and limited raids on Beirut airport's runways and the Beirut-Damascus highway, after the full cabinet voted unanimously for a forceful response. Harel and Issacharoff rely on Israeli participants and meeting records.
'The Seven', Olmert and six senior ministers, approved strikes that night on Hezbollah's Fajr launchers hidden in homes and limited raids on Beirut airport's runways and the Beirut-Damascus highway, after the full cabinet voted unanimously for a forceful response. Harel and Issacharoff rely on Israeli participants and meeting records.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Siniora's government says it knew nothing of the operation.
After the afternoon cabinet, Information Minister Ghazi Aridi declared that the government had not known of the operation and was not responsible; March 14 leaders, among them former president Amine Gemayel, publicly attacked Hezbollah. Earlier Prime Minister Fouad Siniora had angrily asked Nasrallah's adviser what Hezbollah had done.
After the afternoon cabinet, Information Minister Ghazi Aridi declared that the government had not known of the operation and was not responsible; March 14 leaders, among them former president Amine Gemayel, publicly attacked Hezbollah. Earlier Prime Minister Fouad Siniora had angrily asked Nasrallah's adviser what Hezbollah had done.
Reports at the time: The archive reports only that Lebanon, through Ghazi Aridi, asked for an urgent Security Council meeting on 'the Israeli aggression' (20:35); the government's disclaimer does not appear in it.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Nasrallah: the soldiers will be returned only through an exchange.
Hassan Nasrallah told a Beirut press conference that the raid had been five months in preparation and that Israel's new leaders should expect surprises if they sought confrontation; the two soldiers were far away and would come back only through an indirect prisoner exchange.
Hassan Nasrallah told a Beirut press conference that the raid had been five months in preparation and that Israel's new leaders should expect surprises if they sought confrontation; the two soldiers were far away and would come back only through an indirect prisoner exchange.
Reports at the time: The archive carries the statement at 18:50, nearly two hours after the 5 p.m. given by 34 Days.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Olmert holds the Lebanese state responsible and promises a 'thundering' response.
At a press conference beside Japan's prime minister, Ehud Olmert called the attack the act of a sovereign state and warned that Lebanon, with Hezbollah in its government, would pay. Abirached has chief of staff Dan Halutz vowing to 'set Lebanon back fifty years'.
At a press conference beside Japan's prime minister, Ehud Olmert called the attack the act of a sovereign state and warned that Lebanon, with Hezbollah in its government, would pay. Abirached has chief of staff Dan Halutz vowing to 'set Lebanon back fifty years'.
Reports at the time: The archive reports Olmert calling the attack an 'act of war' from 13:30, consistent with the 12:50 press conference; it does not report Halutz's 'fifty years' remark.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
A Gaza solidarity sit-in turns into the Samidoun relief campaign.
Samidoun ('those who hold fast') began as a mixed coalition of environmental, gay and lesbian, artistic, far-left and student groups that had planned a sit-in and cultural festival for Gaza on the very day the Israeli offensive began. Based at Zico House, it quickly turned to relief work and drew up to three hundred volunteers a day.
Samidoun ('those who hold fast') began as a mixed coalition of environmental, gay and lesbian, artistic, far-left and student groups that had planned a sit-in and cultural festival for Gaza on the very day the Israeli offensive began. Based at Zico House, it quickly turned to relief work and drew up to three hundred volunteers a day.
Reports at the time: The archive does not mention Samidoun.
Since 2005 · From the books
Hezbollah captures two Israeli soldiers; Israel launches a war on Lebanon.
Hezbollah fighters attacked an Israeli patrol across the border on the morning of 12 July and took two soldiers, whom the party offered to trade for Arab prisoners. Dozens of Israeli air raids on the South followed; strikes on the airport, bridges and roads and an air and sea blockade came next. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
Hezbollah fighters attacked an Israeli patrol across the border on the morning of 12 July and took two soldiers, whom the party offered to trade for Arab prisoners. Dozens of Israeli air raids on the South followed; strikes on the airport, bridges and roads and an air and sea blockade came next. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
Sources differ: Abirached quotes Hezbollah's announcement of the capture 'around 9.05'; Harel & Issacharoff place the burnt-out vehicles and the start of the search at about 9.45 a.m. These are different moments, not necessarily a conflict.
\_this day in full (July 2006, as the books tell it) \_this day in full (Since 2005) \_on this day
Thursday, 13 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Beirut airport, twenty-one bridges and the Damascus road are bombed.
Israel bombed Beirut airport's runways, some twenty-one bridges and the Beirut–Damascus highway, cutting air traffic and the main roads to Syria. Visitors, many from the Gulf, were stuck; Western states evacuated their citizens, dual nationals included, by sea.
Israel bombed Beirut airport's runways, some twenty-one bridges and the Beirut–Damascus highway, cutting air traffic and the main roads to Syria. Visitors, many from the Gulf, were stuck; Western states evacuated their citizens, dual nationals included, by sea.
Sources differ: 34 Days puts the runway strike on the night of 12 July; Abirached and Dieckhoff date the strikes to 13 July.
Reports at the time: The archive's first report of the runways being hit is 06:30 on 13 July, after the Damour bridge (00:50); helicopters struck the airport's fuel tanks again in the evening.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Wednesday, 12 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel imposes an air and sea blockade on Lebanon.
Israel closed Lebanon's air space and coast. The blockade stayed in force until 7 September, over three weeks past the ceasefire, and hindered the export of books and newspapers printed in Lebanon.
Israel closed Lebanon's air space and coast. The blockade stayed in force until 7 September, over three weeks past the ceasefire, and hindered the export of books and newspapers printed in Lebanon.
Sources differ: Start date: 13 July (Abirached; Dieckhoff 'from the next day'), 12 July (Mermier).
Reports at the time: The archive reports a 'general blockade' at 10:05 on 13 July, supporting Abirached's date.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Friday, 14 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
'Night of the Fajrs': rocket launchers hidden in homes are bombed; the Akash family is killed.
About twenty civilians died, Harel and Issacharoff report, among them a Shiite cleric, his wife and their eight children near Nabatieh, when Israeli aircraft destroyed 59 fixed medium-range rocket launchers hidden in southern homes, all within 34 minutes before dawn.
About twenty civilians died, Harel and Issacharoff report, among them a Shiite cleric, his wife and their eight children near Nabatieh, when Israeli aircraft destroyed 59 fixed medium-range rocket launchers hidden in southern homes, all within 34 minutes before dawn.
Reports at the time: The archive reports the killing of the cleric Adel Akkache, his wife and eight children at 06:40, matching the book.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The first displaced leave the South and the southern suburb; 'civil resistance' begins.
Displacement began on the second day of the Israeli campaign, first to relatives in districts thought safer, and grew to 900,000–1,000,000 people, nearly a quarter of the population. A Beirut blogger reported bare supermarket shelves, petrol queues and hours of waiting at the Syrian border. Relief initiatives labelled 'civil resistance' multiplied from 13 July.
Displacement began on the second day of the Israeli campaign, first to relatives in districts thought safer, and grew to 900,000–1,000,000 people, nearly a quarter of the population. A Beirut blogger reported bare supermarket shelves, petrol queues and hours of waiting at the Syrian border. Relief initiatives labelled 'civil resistance' multiplied from 13 July.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Art and memory
- testimony 34 Days quotes throughout a Beirut blog, 'Anecdotes from a Banana Republic' (signed EDB, called 'Emily'), as its main Lebanese civilian voice.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books range
The Jiyeh power station's fuel tanks are bombed; an oil slick spreads along the coast.
Some 150 km of coast, up to the Syrian border, was fouled after Israeli strikes on 13 and 15 July hit the fuel tanks of the Jiyeh power station, 25 km south of Beirut. Thousands of tonnes of fuel oil burned or ran into the sea; fishing was devastated, and the ongoing war delayed the clean-up.
Some 150 km of coast, up to the Syrian border, was fouled after Israeli strikes on 13 and 15 July hit the fuel tanks of the Jiyeh power station, 25 km south of Beirut. Thousands of tonnes of fuel oil burned or ran into the sea; fishing was devastated, and the ongoing war delayed the clean-up.
Sources differ: Verdeil puts the spill at 10,000-15,000 tonnes; Bustos gives the full contents of the depot, 35,000 tonnes, some of which burned and some spilled. The two figures measure different things.
Reports at the time: No archive report for 13-15 July mentions Jiyeh; the fires and the slick first appear on 26 July, and the strike notes put Jiyeh under 16 July.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah rockets kill two civilians in Nahariya and Safed.
Hezbollah answered with Katyusha barrages on northern Israel, nearly 125 rockets that day, killing two civilians, in Nahariya and Safed, and wounding 69.
Hezbollah answered with Katyusha barrages on northern Israel, nearly 125 rockets that day, killing two civilians, in Nahariya and Safed, and wounding 69.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Saudi Arabia condemns Hezbollah's 'adventurism'.
Riyadh on 13 July blamed the capture on Hezbollah's 'irresponsible adventurism' yet still endorsed 'legitimate resistance'. Hezbollah had not expected it: no Arab government had openly condemned such an action before.
Riyadh on 13 July blamed the capture on Hezbollah's 'irresponsible adventurism' yet still endorsed 'legitimate resistance'. Hezbollah had not expected it: no Arab government had openly condemned such an action before.
Sources differ: Night of 12 July (34 Days) against 13 July (Ayad and Donati).
Reports at the time: The archive reports the Saudi statement only at 05:20 on 14 July, a day later than either book.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Wednesday, 12 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
First Israeli raids on Beirut's southern suburb.
Israeli aircraft struck the southern suburb of Beirut, Hezbollah's stronghold, for the first time.
Israeli aircraft struck the southern suburb of Beirut, Hezbollah's stronghold, for the first time.
Sources differ: 34 Days puts the start of the bombing of Dahiyeh on the evening of 14 July (see 2006-07-14-haret-hreik).
Reports at the time: The archive backs Abirached: it cites Hezbollah reporting a strike on its southern-suburb stronghold at 08:30 on 13 July.
Friday, 14 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Chirac calls Israel's response disproportionate; Egypt and Jordan blame Hezbollah.
Meeting in Cairo on 14 July, Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdallah II condemned Israel's offensive and demanded it end at once, while criticising Hezbollah's 'adventurism'. Jacques Chirac's Bastille Day speech judged Israel's response disproportionate and ruled out a military solution.
Meeting in Cairo on 14 July, Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdallah II condemned Israel's offensive and demanded it end at once, while criticising Hezbollah's 'adventurism'. Jacques Chirac's Bastille Day speech judged Israel's response disproportionate and ruled out a military solution.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israeli special forces take the northern part of Ghajar.
Israeli special units seized the northern, Lebanese part of the border village of Ghajar on 14 July, when Harel and Issacharoff date the first Israeli raids into Lebanon.
Israeli special units seized the northern, Lebanese part of the border village of Ghajar on 14 July, when Harel and Issacharoff date the first Israeli raids into Lebanon.
Reports at the time: Not found in the archive.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Nasrallah announces 'open war' as a missile hits the Israeli warship Hanit off Beirut.
Four Israeli sailors died when an Iranian-made C-802 missile hit the missile boat Hanit off Beirut. Minutes later Nasrallah, by telephone on Al-Manar, told Beirut to look out to sea; hundreds went to the shore. An Arab journalist called it the turning point when Lebanese opinion swung to Hezbollah. Over a hundred rockets were fired at Israel that day.
Four Israeli sailors died when an Iranian-made C-802 missile hit the missile boat Hanit off Beirut. Minutes later Nasrallah, by telephone on Al-Manar, told Beirut to look out to sea; hundreds went to the shore. An Arab journalist called it the turning point when Lebanese opinion swung to Hezbollah. Over a hundred rockets were fired at Israel that day.
Reports at the time: The archive first reports the four sailors as missing (03:55 on 15 July) and also an Egyptian civilian ship hit in the same attack, which the books do not mention.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah's 'security quarter' in Haret Hreik is flattened; Al-Manar keeps broadcasting.
Mona Harb stresses that Haret Hreik was chiefly a dense quarter of homes and shops; days of bombing ruined it. From the early evening jets levelled the towers holding Hezbollah's headquarters and the Al-Manar building, though the channel stayed on air from a secret site; tens of thousands had fled to northern Beirut after Israeli media announced the raid.
Mona Harb stresses that Haret Hreik was chiefly a dense quarter of homes and shops; days of bombing ruined it. From the early evening jets levelled the towers holding Hezbollah's headquarters and the Al-Manar building, though the channel stayed on air from a secret site; tens of thousands had fled to northern Beirut after Israeli media announced the raid.
Sources differ: Date: early evening of 14 July (34 Days) against 15 July (Abirached). Buildings destroyed: more than 200 (Harb), 182 plus 192 damaged (Verdeil), at least 127 (Bustos).
Reports at the time: The archive reports Nasrallah's headquarters and residence building destroyed on Friday evening 14 July (19:50, 20:15) and the official news agency confirming the nine-storey building 'entirely destroyed' at 15:10 on 15 July, which may explain Abirached's date.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Art and memory
- memorial Israeli bombing in summer 2006 hit UMAM's Hangar and documentation centre in Haret Hreik, where since 2001 Lokman Slim and Monika Borgmann had been archiving, among other things, the memory of the Lebanese war; part of the archive was destroyed.
Other date in the books: Saturday, 15 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Thousands cross to Syria at Masnaa before the crossing is bombed.
Israeli planes bombed Masnaa that evening, after nearly 17,000 people, many on foot, had crossed there to Syria with the airport shut. The tourism minister predicted billions in losses.
Israeli planes bombed Masnaa that evening, after nearly 17,000 people, many on foot, had crossed there to Syria with the airport shut. The tourism minister predicted billions in losses.
Reports at the time: The archive gives more than 12,000 Gulf nationals leaving through Masnaa on Thursday 13 July, and reports a raid near Masnaa (three dead) only at 12:45 on 15 July.
Saturday, 15 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Baalbek is bombed for the first time; the town empties.
Some 70 per cent of Baalbek's people had fled within 48 hours, to nearby villages, to Christian Zahle, or on to Syria and Jordan. The bombing began at 5 a.m. on 15 July with the petrol stations around the town; at 5 p.m. six raids hit the centre and the Ras al-Ain district, and Al-Safir reported thirty dead that afternoon.
Some 70 per cent of Baalbek's people had fled within 48 hours, to nearby villages, to Christian Zahle, or on to Syria and Jordan. The bombing began at 5 a.m. on 15 July with the petrol stations around the town; at 5 p.m. six raids hit the centre and the Ras al-Ain district, and Al-Safir reported thirty dead that afternoon.
Reports at the time: The archive's reports for 15 July have Sheikh Mohammad Yazbeck's house in Baalbek bombed at 17:30 and, at 19:00, ten civilians wounded in strikes on the homes of two Hezbollah leaders; none mentions thirty dead.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books mid July
Western governments evacuate their citizens by sea.
France alone repatriated some 14,000 people, 12,000 of them French, as Western governments, mostly by sea, brought out tens of thousands of their nationals after Israel bombed Beirut airport and the Damascus road; many were dual-national emigrants on summer visits.
France alone repatriated some 14,000 people, 12,000 of them French, as Western governments, mostly by sea, brought out tens of thousands of their nationals after Israel bombed Beirut airport and the Damascus road; many were dual-national emigrants on summer visits.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books mid July
Villagers fleeing Marwahin are killed on the road to Tyre.
Harel and Issacharoff count 21 dead among people leaving the border village of Marwahin for Tyre when Israeli aircraft struck their vehicle; images of the bodies were broadcast worldwide.
Harel and Issacharoff count 21 dead among people leaving the border village of Marwahin for Tyre when Israeli aircraft struck their vehicle; images of the bodies were broadcast worldwide.
Sources differ: Toll: 21 (34 Days); 18 civilians, mostly children (archive, 13:30); 20 including 15 children (archive strike note citing Reuters).
Reports at the time: The archive dates the attack to 15 July: first five civilians killed by helicopter fire on a minibus and a car (13:05), then eighteen civilians, mostly children, who were leaving on the Israeli army's orders (13:30). The 15 July strike note says 20 dead including 15 children; a 17 July note places the vehicles between Al-Bayyada and Shamaa.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Some twenty Lebanese NGOs agree a joint stand; schools are opened to the displaced.
The Civilian Campaign for Relief and an advocacy collective both grew out of a first meeting of some twenty Lebanese NGOs outside Zico House on 15 July, where they agreed a common position. Getting no response from the government, associations forced open public schools to house the displaced, after which the government declared all of them open. The 'Gathering of NGOs for Relief in Lebanon' eventually counted 74 organisations.
The Civilian Campaign for Relief and an advocacy collective both grew out of a first meeting of some twenty Lebanese NGOs outside Zico House on 15 July, where they agreed a common position. Getting no response from the government, associations forced open public schools to house the displaced, after which the government declared all of them open. The 'Gathering of NGOs for Relief in Lebanon' eventually counted 74 organisations.
Reports at the time: Not found in the archive.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Siniora sets out terms to end the war; Arab ministers reach no decision.
In a speech on 15 July Siniora agreed for the first time to send the army south, as part of terms to end the war. The same day the UN's special delegation arrived in the region, and Arab League foreign ministers broke up without a decision after Saudi Arabia's Saud al-Faisal angrily attacked the Syrian minister.
In a speech on 15 July Siniora agreed for the first time to send the army south, as part of terms to end the war. The same day the UN's special delegation arrived in the region, and Arab League foreign ministers broke up without a decision after Saudi Arabia's Saud al-Faisal angrily attacked the Syrian minister.
Sunday, 16 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Night raid on weapons moved out of Baalbek.
To spare civilians, Hezbollah had hurriedly moved part of its weaponry out of central Baalbek into fields at the town's entrance; on the night of 16-17 July Israeli forces struck the site for more than two hours.
To spare civilians, Hezbollah had hurriedly moved part of its weaponry out of central Baalbek into fields at the town's entrance; on the night of 16-17 July Israeli forces struck the site for more than two hours.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Rockets kill eight railway workers in Haifa; the G8 meets in St Petersburg.
On 16 July a Hezbollah rocket killed eight workers on the Haifa railway, and Condoleezza Rice said it was not the time for a ceasefire. The G8 summit closed that day with a statement that Abirached's chronology reads as a call for an immediate halt to the fighting; Harel and Issacharoff stress instead that it blamed Hamas and Hezbollah, floated an international force and wanted resolution 1559 applied and the Lebanese army sent south.
On 16 July a Hezbollah rocket killed eight workers on the Haifa railway, and Condoleezza Rice said it was not the time for a ceasefire. The G8 summit closed that day with a statement that Abirached's chronology reads as a call for an immediate halt to the fighting; Harel and Issacharoff stress instead that it blamed Hamas and Hezbollah, floated an international force and wanted resolution 1559 applied and the Lebanese army sent south.
Sources differ: Reading of the G8 text: support for Israel (34 Days) against a call for an immediate halt (Abirached).
Reports at the time: The archive's Haifa toll moves from eight to nine and back to eight. It does not record Rice's 'not the time' remark; its Lebanese tolls that day do not add up to Abirached's sixty.
Monday, 17 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
A family is killed in its home in Aitaroun.
Nine of one family, seven of them children, died in Aitaroun on 17 July when their house was blown up. Bread, fuel and water ran short for southern villagers who stayed despite Israeli leaflets ordering them out, and taxis charged a fortune for the trip to Beirut.
Nine of one family, seven of them children, died in Aitaroun on 17 July when their house was blown up. Bread, fuel and water ran short for southern villagers who stayed despite Israeli leaflets ordering them out, and taxis charged a fortune for the trip to Beirut.
Sources differ: Toll: nine including seven children (34 Days); thirteen of the Awadah family including nine children (archive, 18 July 01:13); nine dead, four wounded (archive strike note, 17 July).
Reports at the time: Archive: thirteen dead of the Awadah family, nine of them children (posted 01:13 on 18 July).
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Arab and French papers read the war differently.
French media spoke of a 'disproportionate' Israeli response; Al-Hayat's 17 July headline told of a continuing 'Israeli massacre' and Hezbollah missiles on Haifa. That day Abdel Bari Atwan (Al-Quds al-Arabi) replied to Egyptian and Saudi claims that the resistance served Iran: Iran's agenda was worthier than their 'American-Zionist' one. Al-Jazeera moved part of its newsroom to Beirut.
French media spoke of a 'disproportionate' Israeli response; Al-Hayat's 17 July headline told of a continuing 'Israeli massacre' and Hezbollah missiles on Haifa. That day Abdel Bari Atwan (Al-Quds al-Arabi) replied to Egyptian and Saudi claims that the resistance served Iran: Iran's agenda was worthier than their 'American-Zionist' one. Al-Jazeera moved part of its newsroom to Beirut.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Olmert sets Israel's conditions in the Knesset.
On 17 July Olmert told the Knesset Israel would stop once its captured soldiers were returned, a ceasefire agreed and Lebanese troops deployed in the South; the speech was later called 'Churchillian'. Harel and Issacharoff hold that Israel missed a chance to stop on 16-17 July.
On 17 July Olmert told the Knesset Israel would stop once its captured soldiers were returned, a ceasefire agreed and Lebanese troops deployed in the South; the speech was later called 'Churchillian'. Harel and Issacharoff hold that Israel missed a chance to stop on 16-17 July.
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The 'war on trucks' begins in the Bekaa.
From 18 July Israeli aircraft set out to destroy every lorry carrying fuel or food in the Bekaa, and private cars on the roads from Baalbek to its villages and to Zahle were also targeted. People soon went hungry.
From 18 July Israeli aircraft set out to destroy every lorry carrying fuel or food in the Bekaa, and private cars on the roads from Baalbek to its villages and to Zahle were also targeted. People soon went hungry.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Eleven Lebanese soldiers are killed at army barracks near Beirut.
Israeli raids on Lebanese army barracks killed eleven soldiers. Picard notes that throughout the war the army, confined to barracks and to civil-protection work, barely fired back, exposing how poorly armed fifteen years of Syrian-supervised rebuilding had left it.
Israeli raids on Lebanese army barracks killed eleven soldiers. Picard notes that throughout the war the army, confined to barracks and to civil-protection work, barely fired back, exposing how poorly armed fifteen years of Syrian-supervised rebuilding had left it.
Reports at the time: The archive names the Jamhour (and Kfarshima) barracks and gives eleven dead, four of them officers.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
240 dead in Lebanon; Israel turns down a UN ceasefire formula.
On the morning of 18 July UN envoys put to Tzipi Livni a formula accepted by Siniora and not rejected by Hezbollah, which might have placed the captured soldiers with the Lebanese government; the diplomats, quoted by Harel and Issacharoff, say Livni balked at its mention of the Shebaa Farms and Olmert refused it. Lebanon's dead numbered 240 that day, mostly civilians; in the war's second week the authorities put those who had fled at some half a million.
On the morning of 18 July UN envoys put to Tzipi Livni a formula accepted by Siniora and not rejected by Hezbollah, which might have placed the captured soldiers with the Lebanese government; the diplomats, quoted by Harel and Issacharoff, say Livni balked at its mention of the Shebaa Farms and Olmert refused it. Lebanon's dead numbered 240 that day, mostly civilians; in the war's second week the authorities put those who had fled at some half a million.
Reports at the time: Archive: '240 dead since the beginning of the assault' (01:55 on 18 July).
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books range
UN agencies and international NGOs arrive; 'humanitarian corridors' disappoint.
Raymond describes local associations proving more effective than the international agencies, which were slowed by heavy UN procedures and later mostly admitted as much. When UN agencies and international NGOs arrived, between the war's second and third weeks, there were hopes of supplies despite the blockade and of protected 'humanitarian corridors', but protection came only in part.
Raymond describes local associations proving more effective than the international agencies, which were slowed by heavy UN procedures and later mostly admitted as much. When UN agencies and international NGOs arrived, between the war's second and third weeks, there were hopes of supplies despite the blockade and of protected 'humanitarian corridors', but protection came only in part.
Reports at the time: The archive traces the corridor idea to Chirac's call of 19 July. Israel agreed to a corridor on 21-22 July; on 23 July aid was still stuck in Syria; the first WFP convoy got to Tyre on 26 July.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
First ground clash at the Shaked outpost above Maroun al-Ras.
On 19 July Walid Jumblatt made any ceasefire conditional on the state deciding on war and peace. Avivim, a moshav under fire from Maroun al-Ras, had nearly emptied; a Maglan team heading for the nearby Shaked hill found a Hezbollah bunker, and two of its soldiers died in the fighting.
On 19 July Walid Jumblatt made any ceasefire conditional on the state deciding on war and peace. Avivim, a moshav under fire from Maroun al-Ras, had nearly emptied; a Maglan team heading for the nearby Shaked hill found a Hezbollah bunker, and two of its soldiers died in the fighting.
Reports at the time: The archive places much of the 19 July fighting at Aitaroun and has Hezbollah claiming six Israeli soldiers killed against Israel's two.
Thursday, 20 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Battle of Maroun al-Ras.
Egoz lost a company commander and four men on 20 July in its first clash at Maroun al-Ras, sent in by daylight to back paratroopers who had entered at dawn; the battle lasted two more days.
Egoz lost a company commander and four men on 20 July in its first clash at Maroun al-Ras, sent in by daylight to back paratroopers who had entered at dawn; the battle lasted two more days.
Sources differ: Israeli dead: five (34 Days) against four among eight dead (Abirached).
Reports at the time: The archive reports four Israeli soldiers killed that evening; a fifth is identified only on 23 July, the day Hezbollah acknowledged the Israeli entry.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Nasrallah tells Al-Jazeera Hezbollah is intact.
Interviewed on Al-Jazeera, Nasrallah denied taking instructions from Iran or Syria and said Israel had seized on the capture to start a war planned long before. Hezbollah, he claimed, had lost none of its leaders or military strength; victory meant the resistance surviving.
Interviewed on Al-Jazeera, Nasrallah denied taking instructions from Iran or Syria and said Israel had seized on the capture to start a war planned long before. Hezbollah, he claimed, had lost none of its leaders or military strength; victory meant the resistance surviving.
Sources differ: 20 July (Abirached) against 21 July (34 Days).
Reports at the time: The archive reports the interview at 23:10 on 20 July, so 34 Days' date probably reflects its broadcast or reporting the next day.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Friday, 21 July 2006
Friday, 21 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah rejects the UN plan; Baalbek and Tyre bombed.
On 21 July Halutz told his division commanders he saw no chance of a major ground offensive. Israel raided Baalbek and Tyre; Hezbollah rejected a UN plan for an immediate halt and the soldiers' unconditional release.
On 21 July Halutz told his division commanders he saw no chance of a major ground offensive. Israel raided Baalbek and Tyre; Hezbollah rejected a UN plan for an immediate halt and the soldiers' unconditional release.
Reports at the time: The archive attributes the plan to Kofi Annan and reports the same evening that Israel accepted a humanitarian corridor.
Saturday, 22 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israeli armour crosses into Lebanon.
Israeli armour, about ten vehicles, crossed the border into Lebanon.
Israeli armour, about ten vehicles, crossed the border into Lebanon.
Reports at the time: The archive places the crossing at Avivim after the border fence was destroyed (15:40).
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Abbas Baydoun publishes 'A possible poem for the Dahiye'.
On 22 July Al-Safir carried 'A possible poem for the Dahiye' by the poet Abbas Baydoun, which looks over the bombed southern suburb for the details, moments and things that must once have been there.
On 22 July Al-Safir carried 'A possible poem for the Dahiye' by the poet Abbas Baydoun, which looks over the bombed southern suburb for the details, moments and things that must once have been there.
Art and memory
- artwork Abbas Baydoun's 'A possible poem for the Dahiye' (Al-Safir, 22 July 2006) is a written trace of the southern suburb in ruins; Mona Harb opens her chapter on the Dahiye with a line from it.
Sunday, 23 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel begins to look for an exit; Syria threatens to join a ground war.
On Sunday 23 July, with no quick victory in sight, Olmert's office first weighed a political end to the war, and the defence minister's office debated ceasefire terms. Israeli units in the South readied an attack on Bint Jbeil; a Syrian minister warned that a ground offensive in Lebanon would bring Syria into the war.
On Sunday 23 July, with no quick victory in sight, Olmert's office first weighed a political end to the war, and the defence minister's office debated ceasefire terms. Israeli units in the South readied an attack on Bint Jbeil; a Syrian minister warned that a ground offensive in Lebanon would bring Syria into the war.
Sources differ: The archive names the Syrian minister Mohsen Bilal as information minister, not foreign minister.
Reports at the time: Archive: 'Moshen Bilal, the Syrian information minister'.
Monday, 24 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The Bekaa's main dairy, Liban Lait, is bombed.
Liban Lait, the Bekaa's main dairy and, according to Verdeil, the source of 70 per cent of Lebanon's milk, was bombed by Israeli aircraft. The Nahas poultry farm on the Baalbek-Zahle road was destroyed the same day, and people made hungry by the blockade later looted what was left.
Liban Lait, the Bekaa's main dairy and, according to Verdeil, the source of 70 per cent of Lebanon's milk, was bombed by Israeli aircraft. The Nahas poultry farm on the Baalbek-Zahle road was destroyed the same day, and people made hungry by the blockade later looted what was left.
Reports at the time: An archive report of 18 July, six days before Daher's date, already describes fires breaking out 'again' at Liban Lait, so the plant may have been hit more than once.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Condoleezza Rice in Beirut; Siniora shows her a seven-point plan.
On 24 July Condoleezza Rice, who called a ceasefire urgent, visited Beirut. Siniora showed her his seven-point plan: prisoners freed via the Red Cross; Israel behind the Blue Line; the Shebaa Farms under the UN; the army across the South, with no other weapons; a reinforced UNIFIL; the 1949 armistice restored; international aid. Her meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri was tense.
On 24 July Condoleezza Rice, who called a ceasefire urgent, visited Beirut. Siniora showed her his seven-point plan: prisoners freed via the Red Cross; Israel behind the Blue Line; the Shebaa Farms under the UN; the army across the South, with no other weapons; a reinforced UNIFIL; the 1949 armistice restored; international aid. Her meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri was tense.
Reports at the time: The 'urgent ceasefire' remark appears in the archive before the visit, made en route (06:15); Rice landed in Beirut at about 13:20.
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel claims Bint Jbeil; Hezbollah denies.
On 25 July the army, through its divisional commander Gal Hirsch, said it controlled Bint Jbeil; Hezbollah denied it, and Israelis heard it as a claim of capture. Shortly before, Halutz had ordered the town occupied over the objections of Northern Command's chief, Udi Adam.
On 25 July the army, through its divisional commander Gal Hirsch, said it controlled Bint Jbeil; Hezbollah denied it, and Israelis heard it as a claim of capture. Shortly before, Halutz had ordered the town occupied over the objections of Northern Command's chief, Udi Adam.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
A declaration of 'cultural workers' backs the resistance.
Samah Idriss of the monthly Al-Adab, Joseph Samaha of Al-Akhbar and Talal Salman of Al-Safir were among the initiators of a statement by Lebanon's 'cultural workers'. It denounced Israel's aggression, backed the resistance and cleared it of responsibility for the war, and asked Arab artists and intellectuals to press their governments to reject normalisation with Israel. Al-Nahar, notably, ran articles taking a very different line.
Samah Idriss of the monthly Al-Adab, Joseph Samaha of Al-Akhbar and Talal Salman of Al-Safir were among the initiators of a statement by Lebanon's 'cultural workers'. It denounced Israel's aggression, backed the resistance and cleared it of responsibility for the war, and asked Arab artists and intellectuals to press their governments to reject normalisation with Israel. Al-Nahar, notably, ran articles taking a very different line.
Art and memory
- film During the war a group of Beirut filmmakers set up cinemayat.org as an independent archive for documentaries, amateur footage and accounts of daily life. At the Institut du monde arabe's Arab film biennale in July 2006, more than 300 directors signed an appeal against Israel's bombing and invited filmmakers to make short films (cinesoumoud.net).
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Eight Golani soldiers die in the battle of Bint Jbeil.
At Bint Jbeil on 26 July a Golani battalion lost eight men in hours of close fighting around an olive grove, against Hezbollah fighters holding houses that almost encircled it. The deaths added to Israel's dismay, and a Northern Command general accused Halutz to his face of causing them.
At Bint Jbeil on 26 July a Golani battalion lost eight men in hours of close fighting around an olive grove, against Hezbollah fighters holding houses that almost encircled it. The deaths added to Israel's dismay, and a Northern Command general accused Halutz to his face of causing them.
Reports at the time: The archive first reports nine soldiers killed (11:40), then eight (20:25), on 26 July.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The Rome conference ends without a ceasefire; Siniora presents his plan.
On 26 July an international conference on Lebanon in Rome, where Siniora presented his seven-point plan, backed a UN-mandated force and pledged urgent work towards a ceasefire without calling for an immediate one. Joseph Bahout saw in it Washington's abandonment of the Lebanese government.
On 26 July an international conference on Lebanon in Rome, where Siniora presented his seven-point plan, backed a UN-mandated force and pledged urgent work towards a ceasefire without calling for an immediate one. Joseph Bahout saw in it Washington's abandonment of the Lebanese government.
Sources differ: Origin of the plan: shown to Rice in Beirut on 24 July (34 Days; it later calls it 'Siniora's seven-point plan of July 24', pdf:233) against presented in Rome on 26 July (Abirached).
Thursday, 27 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel calls up three reserve divisions.
On 27 July Israel's cabinet called up three reserve divisions, officers the next day and other ranks on 30 July, but made further force subject to new approval; some 62,000 reservists were mobilised in all. Harel and Issacharoff call it the cabinet's first real choice: major ground offensive or ceasefire.
On 27 July Israel's cabinet called up three reserve divisions, officers the next day and other ranks on 30 July, but made further force subject to new approval; some 62,000 reservists were mobilised in all. Harel and Issacharoff call it the cabinet's first real choice: major ground offensive or ceasefire.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Lebanon's cabinet, Hezbollah ministers included, adopts Siniora's plan.
Five Shiite ministers backed the decision of Siniora's cabinet, that evening, to adopt the plan from his Rome speech, including the army's deployment in the South. To Harel and Issacharoff, Hezbollah's agreement showed how badly the Bint Jbeil fighting had hurt it.
Five Shiite ministers backed the decision of Siniora's cabinet, that evening, to adopt the plan from his Rome speech, including the army's deployment in the South. To Harel and Issacharoff, Hezbollah's agreement showed how badly the Bint Jbeil fighting had hurt it.
Sources differ: Evening of 27 July (34 Days) against 28 July (Abirached).
Reports at the time: The archive supports 34 Days: the unanimous endorsement is reported at 23:20-23:25 on 27 July; AFP carried it the next morning (08:55 on 28 July), which may explain Abirached's date.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Friday, 28 July 2006
Friday, 28 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah hits back at Bint Jbeil on the eve of an Israeli pull-out.
Halutz was taken to hospital on 28 July, the army citing a stomach ailment. That Friday night, while paratroopers west of Bint Jbeil prepared to pull back, Hezbollah fighters moved back into the town; the Israeli army says it killed 26 of them.
Halutz was taken to hospital on 28 July, the army citing a stomach ailment. That Friday night, while paratroopers west of Bint Jbeil prepared to pull back, Hezbollah fighters moved back into the town; the Israeli army says it killed 26 of them.
Reports at the time: On 28 July the archive has Hezbollah saying Israel had already withdrawn from Bint Jbeil, Maroun al-Ras and Aitaroun.
Saturday, 29 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel pulls out of Bint Jbeil; Nasrallah backs the government.
Nasrallah told Al-Manar on 29 July that Hezbollah wanted a strong government and would cooperate with it. Israeli troops left Bint Jbeil that day; GHQ kept ordering its capture, but Northern Command never fully complied.
Nasrallah told Al-Manar on 29 July that Hezbollah wanted a strong government and would cooperate with it. Israeli troops left Bint Jbeil that day; GHQ kept ordering its capture, but Northern Command never fully complied.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Elias Khoury and Ziad Majed write to their Democratic Left comrades to set out disagreements over the war.
Writing on 29 July to their comrades in the Democratic Left Movement, Elias Khoury and Ziad Majed backed the resistance while restating their disagreements with Hezbollah, and faulted their March 14 allies for hesitating to demand an immediate ceasefire.
Writing on 29 July to their comrades in the Democratic Left Movement, Elias Khoury and Ziad Majed backed the resistance while restating their disagreements with Hezbollah, and faulted their March 14 allies for hesitating to demand an immediate ceasefire.
Sunday, 30 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Qana: a building full of sheltering families is destroyed.
Families sheltering in a house in Qana died early on Sunday 30 July when an Israeli strike brought it down; dozens of civilians were killed, many of them children, though tolls vary widely. Israel halted air raids for 48 hours, Berri declared Hezbollah's terms for an exchange void, and Siniora told Rice to stay away from Beirut. Agnès Levallois argues that the killings, a decade after the 1996 shelling of Qana, changed how the French and Arab press covered the war.
Families sheltering in a house in Qana died early on Sunday 30 July when an Israeli strike brought it down; dozens of civilians were killed, many of them children, though tolls vary widely. Israel halted air raids for 48 hours, Berri declared Hezbollah's terms for an exchange void, and Siniora told Rice to stay away from Beirut. Agnès Levallois argues that the killings, a decade after the 1996 shelling of Qana, changed how the French and Arab press covered the war.
Sources differ: Toll: about thirty (Abirached; Ayad and Donati), 28 including 17 children (34 Days, final), 57 including 21 children (Arab TV via 34 Days), sixty (blogger via 34 Days); the archive's tolls run from 20 to 52 (with 30 children) and over 60.
Reports at the time: Contemporary tolls in the archive: 'at least twenty killed or wounded' (08:10), 35 (09:10), 32 including 14 children (09:50), 51 including 22 children (10:15), 'over 60' (Beawitness), and 52 civilians including 30 children on the day of national mourning (31 July). None gives the lower figure of 28 adopted by 34 Days. The 48-hour suspension appears at 00:22 on 31 July.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Art and memory
- place Qana was struck twice: Israeli shelling of refugees at the UN headquarters there killed 106 on 18 April 1996, and the village was hit again in 2006. Lebanese regard the dead of both as martyrs.
Monday, 31 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
UNIFIL's mandate is extended by a month.
Israel rejected a ceasefire, although Condoleezza Rice called for an urgent one together with a lasting settlement. The Security Council extended UNIFIL's mandate by a month.
Israel rejected a ceasefire, although Condoleezza Rice called for an urgent one together with a lasting settlement. The Security Council extended UNIFIL's mandate by a month.
mid July 2006: day not established
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Between 180,000 and 200,000 people take refuge in Syria.
Between 180,000 and 200,000 people from Lebanon sought refuge in Syria, fewer than during the civil war, and were taken in far beyond family circles. Overall the war caused more than 200,000 departures from Lebanon, some of which may prove permanent.
Between 180,000 and 200,000 people from Lebanon sought refuge in Syria, fewer than during the civil war, and were taken in far beyond family circles. Overall the war caused more than 200,000 departures from Lebanon, some of which may prove permanent.
Reports at the time: In 111101's July 2006 archive (Figures page), the HRC row 'Syria, Jordan, Cyprus and Gulf area' reads 200,000 (earlier), 231,000 (11 August), 180,000 (15 August) and 100,000 (16 August).
August 2006
Tuesday, 1 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israeli commando raid on Baalbek's Dar al-Hikmeh hospital.
Israeli commandos landed by helicopter in Baalbek on the night of 1-2 August and took away five men, whom Israel called Hezbollah cadres. Aurélie Daher, citing the Lebanese press, writes that the five were freed three weeks later, shown to have no tie to the party; that some twenty civilians, seven of them children, were killed; and that the target, Sheikh Mohammad Yazbeck, was not at the Dar al-Hikmeh hospital where he was expected.
Israeli commandos landed by helicopter in Baalbek on the night of 1-2 August and took away five men, whom Israel called Hezbollah cadres. Aurélie Daher, citing the Lebanese press, writes that the five were freed three weeks later, shown to have no tie to the party; that some twenty civilians, seven of them children, were killed; and that the target, Sheikh Mohammad Yazbeck, was not at the Dar al-Hikmeh hospital where he was expected.
Sources differ: Date: 1 August (34 Days), night of 1-2 August (Daher), 2 August (Abirached). Identity of the five: Hezbollah fighters (Israeli army, archive), 'presumed members' (Abirached), civilians with no link (Daher).
Reports at the time: Archive tolls: eleven civilians killed and six kidnapped (police, 07:50), nineteen killed (Al-Jazeera), sixteen including seven children (15:35); Halutz claimed ten fighters killed and five captured.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Wednesday, 2 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Religious leaders meet at Bkerke and call for national unity.
A call for unity among all of Lebanon's communities, and for citizens to help the displaced, came from a 'spiritual summit' of the official representatives of the religious communities at Bkerke, seat of the Maronite patriarchate.
A call for unity among all of Lebanon's communities, and for citizens to help the displaced, came from a 'spiritual summit' of the official representatives of the religious communities at Bkerke, seat of the Maronite patriarchate.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel widens its ground operation toward the old 'security zone'.
Reservists entered southern Lebanon for the first time after 1 August, when Northern Command was cleared, as the 48-hour pause neared its end, to retake the old occupation zone; the Alexandroni brigade began advancing in the western sector that evening.
Reservists entered southern Lebanon for the first time after 1 August, when Northern Command was cleared, as the 48-hour pause neared its end, to retake the old occupation zone; the Alexandroni brigade began advancing in the western sector that evening.
Wednesday, 2 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Air raids resume after the 48-hour pause.
Israeli air raids resumed across Lebanon at the end of the partial truce declared after Qana.
Israeli air raids resumed across Lebanon at the end of the partial truce declared after Qana.
Reports at the time: The archive has the Israeli justice minister announcing the resumption for dawn on Wednesday 2 August.
Thursday, 3 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Peretz has the army plan a swift seizure of the South up to the Litani.
Harel and Issacharoff see posturing in the statement from Peretz's office on 3 August that the army must prepare to seize everything south of the Litani quickly; it also, they write, gave Hezbollah useful information.
Harel and Issacharoff see posturing in the statement from Peretz's office on 3 August that the army must prepare to seize everything south of the Litani quickly; it also, they write, gave Hezbollah useful information.
Friday, 4 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Farm workers are killed at al-Qaa on the Syrian border.
An Israeli air strike on al-Qaa, near Hermel by the Syrian border, killed over thirty farm labourers, mostly Syrians, harvesting and packing vegetables.
An Israeli air strike on al-Qaa, near Hermel by the Syrian border, killed over thirty farm labourers, mostly Syrians, harvesting and packing vegetables.
Sources differ: Place: Lebanese village of al-Qaa (Daher; archive) against 'the Syrian side of the border' (34 Days). Toll: 33 (Daher), 34 (34 Days).
Reports at the time: The archive locates the strike in al-Qaa, at a refrigerated container and the Lebanese customs compound, with tolls rising from five to 26 and 34, mostly Syrian workers; nothing places it inside Syria.
Saturday, 5 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
A Franco-American draft resolution is tabled; some 300 raids in one day.
Abirached records nearly three hundred Israeli raids and four thousand shells against Lebanon on 5 August, the day France and the United States put forward a draft resolution that called for a cessation of hostilities and deferred the international force.
Abirached records nearly three hundred Israeli raids and four thousand shells against Lebanon on 5 August, the day France and the United States put forward a draft resolution that called for a cessation of hostilities and deferred the international force.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
'Laughing under the bombs': displaced children on stage at the Theatre de la Ville.
'Rire sous les bombes', a play by the director Charif Abdelnour, was created with children of displaced southern families whom Beirut's Theatre de la Ville had taken in. At the Tournesol theatre, Roger Assaf and his association Shams set up an information centre linked online to cultural circles abroad.
'Rire sous les bombes', a play by the director Charif Abdelnour, was created with children of displaced southern families whom Beirut's Theatre de la Ville had taken in. At the Tournesol theatre, Roger Assaf and his association Shams set up an information centre linked online to cultural circles abroad.
Art and memory
- artwork 'Rire sous les bombes', created with children of displaced families sheltered at the Theatre de la Ville and staged on 5 August 2006, is a work of theatre made during the war itself.
Sunday, 6 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
A rocket kills twelve Israeli reservists at Kfar Giladi.
On 6 August one Katyusha killed twelve paratroop reservists by Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, Israel's worst loss of the war. Some of Olmert's advisers date his defeat to that day, when Israeli opinion turned.
On 6 August one Katyusha killed twelve paratroop reservists by Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, Israel's worst loss of the war. Some of Olmert's advisers date his defeat to that day, when Israeli opinion turned.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Lebanon rejects the Franco-American draft.
Lebanon turned down the Franco-American draft, wanting Siniora's seven-point plan reflected in it; Siniora feared that a text putting off the international force would leave Israeli troops in the South for good.
Lebanon turned down the Franco-American draft, wanting Siniora's seven-point plan reflected in it; Siniora feared that a text putting off the international force would leave Israeli troops in the South for good.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Thirty-five relief NGOs denounce the state's failures.
At a press conference on 6 August, thirty-five NGOs working with the displaced charged the official bodies with 'shortcomings and negligence', citing no long-term plan, no transparency, biased distribution of aid and failure to meet basic needs. The Higher Relief Council, revived days into the war, had changed its emergency number four times in one week; one of the aid workers said people had at times taken the NGOs for the government.
At a press conference on 6 August, thirty-five NGOs working with the displaced charged the official bodies with 'shortcomings and negligence', citing no long-term plan, no transparency, biased distribution of aid and failure to meet basic needs. The Higher Relief Council, revived days into the war, had changed its emergency number four times in one week; one of the aid workers said people had at times taken the NGOs for the government.
Monday, 7 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Arab foreign ministers meet in Beirut; Siniora weeps.
On 7 August Arab League foreign ministers met in Beirut, endorsed Siniora's seven-point plan and sent envoys to New York to seek changes to the draft; Syria's minister, trying to add support for Hezbollah, was isolated. Siniora, in tears, asked for an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire'.
On 7 August Arab League foreign ministers met in Beirut, endorsed Siniora's seven-point plan and sent envoys to New York to seek changes to the draft; Syria's minister, trying to add support for Hezbollah, was isolated. Siniora, in tears, asked for an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire'.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The cabinet decides to send 15,000 soldiers to the South.
The Lebanese cabinet's vote of 7 August, backed by Hezbollah and Amal ministers, to deploy 15,000 troops in the South after an Israeli withdrawal broke the Franco-American deadlock over the draft; Nasrallah praised the army's role two days later.
The Lebanese cabinet's vote of 7 August, backed by Hezbollah and Amal ministers, to deploy 15,000 troops in the South after an Israeli withdrawal broke the Franco-American deadlock over the draft; Nasrallah praised the army's role two days later.
Sources differ: 34 Days gives both 7 August (p. 182) and 5 August (p. 202); Abirached gives 7 August.
Reports at the time: The archive confirms 7 August (21:45).
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Saturday, 5 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Nearly 200 associations back a 'civil resistance' appeal; Mona Fayyad's article provokes an outcry.
A press release of 7 August reported that nearly two hundred civil-society organisations had signed the appeal 'Lebanon: an open country for civil resistance', meant to launch citizens' convoys to the South. That day in Al-Nahar, the academic Mona Fayyad asked what being Shiite meant now; her criticism of Hezbollah's hold on the community, made mid-war, caused an outcry.
A press release of 7 August reported that nearly two hundred civil-society organisations had signed the appeal 'Lebanon: an open country for civil resistance', meant to launch citizens' convoys to the South. That day in Al-Nahar, the academic Mona Fayyad asked what being Shiite meant now; her criticism of Hezbollah's hold on the community, made mid-war, caused an outcry.
Tuesday, 8 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Fuel and food lorries burned in the northern Bekaa.
Five drivers burned to death and four people were seriously hurt on 8 August when Israeli aircraft set eleven fuel tankers and three fruit and vegetable lorries ablaze in the Baalbek-Hermel area.
Five drivers burned to death and four people were seriously hurt on 8 August when Israeli aircraft set eleven fuel tankers and three fruit and vegetable lorries ablaze in the Baalbek-Hermel area.
Reports at the time: The archive places the convoys near Ersal and the Syrian border, with at least four to five dead.
Wednesday, 9 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel's cabinet approves the offensive to the Litani; Chirac warns against 'immorality'.
On 9 August Jacques Chirac called it immoral not to try everything to stop the fighting. Israel's cabinet backed the army's plan for a large push towards the Litani by nine votes, with three abstentions, but left its timing to the prime minister and defence minister.
On 9 August Jacques Chirac called it immoral not to try everything to stop the fighting. Israel's cabinet backed the army's plan for a large push towards the Litani by nine votes, with three abstentions, but left its timing to the prime minister and defence minister.
Thursday, 10 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israeli troops advance 7 km; orchards and farms bombed in the West Bekaa.
Israel widened its ground operations, its troops pushing 7 km into Lebanese territory. In the West Bekaa, orchards, crops and a fish farm were completely destroyed by three consecutive air raids.
Israel widened its ground operations, its troops pushing 7 km into Lebanese territory. In the West Bekaa, orchards, crops and a fish farm were completely destroyed by three consecutive air raids.
Reports at the time: The archive names Marjayoun, taken after brief fighting on 10 August.
Friday, 11 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books range
Cluster bombs are scattered over the South in the last days of the war.
About 70 per cent of the several hundred thousand cluster submunitions Israel dropped, most of them on the South, reportedly fell in the last three days of the war, when a halt to the fighting had already been agreed in principle. By 28 August unexploded bomblets had killed 14 people and wounded 47.
About 70 per cent of the several hundred thousand cluster submunitions Israel dropped, most of them on the South, reportedly fell in the last three days of the war, when a halt to the fighting had already been agreed in principle. By 28 August unexploded bomblets had killed 14 people and wounded 47.
Sources differ: Number: 'several hundred thousand' (Verdeil) against 'millions' (de Clerck and Malsagne).
Reports at the time: The archive's first cluster-bomb deaths are dated 14-15 August; on 22 August it quotes a UN count of at least 170 sites hit.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel orders its final offensive hours before the UN vote.
With a UN-brokered ceasefire reported imminent, Northern Command sent its divisions to attack a little after 5 p.m. on Friday 11 August; fighting was fierce at Bint Jbeil and south-east of Tyre.
With a UN-brokered ceasefire reported imminent, Northern Command sent its divisions to attack a little after 5 p.m. on Friday 11 August; fighting was fierce at Bint Jbeil and south-east of Tyre.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The Security Council adopts resolution 1701.
The Security Council voted resolution 1701 unanimously, with all fifteen votes, at 7:52 p.m. on Friday 11 August in New York (2:52 a.m. Saturday local time). The text demanded a complete end to hostilities and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the South, where the Lebanese army and a UNIFIL enlarged to 15,000 troops were to deploy.
The Security Council voted resolution 1701 unanimously, with all fifteen votes, at 7:52 p.m. on Friday 11 August in New York (2:52 a.m. Saturday local time). The text demanded a complete end to hostilities and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the South, where the Lebanese army and a UNIFIL enlarged to 15,000 troops were to deploy.
Sources differ: 11 August (New York date; Daher) against 12 August (Beirut date; Abirached). Both are right for their time zones.
Reports at the time: The archive files the vote under 12 August (02:55 Beirut time).
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Saturday, 12 August 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
The UN Security Council adopts Resolution 1701.
Adopted unanimously, it demanded a complete end to hostilities and an Israeli pull-out from the South, where the Lebanese army and a UNIFIL raised to 15,000 troops were to deploy; Hezbollah's weapons were left for the Lebanese state to deal with. In a televised address, Nasrallah said Hezbollah would not block Lebanon's decision. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
Adopted unanimously, it demanded a complete end to hostilities and an Israeli pull-out from the South, where the Lebanese army and a UNIFIL raised to 15,000 troops were to deploy; Hezbollah's weapons were left for the Lebanese state to deal with. In a televised address, Nasrallah said Hezbollah would not block Lebanon's decision. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
Sources differ: 11 August (Picard; Friday evening in New York per Harel & Issacharoff) against 12 August (Abirached). The difference is the time zone: the vote came in the early hours of 12 August in Beirut.
\_this day in full (July 2006, as the books tell it) \_this day in full (Since 2005) \_on this day
Saturday, 12 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Lebanon accepts 1701; Nasrallah says Hezbollah will not stand in the way.
The Lebanese cabinet endorsed the resolution; on television Nasrallah said Hezbollah would not stand in the way of the government's decision, despite reservations. Israel stepped up its offensive. Citing security, the authorities stopped a first civilian convoy of about 120 people from heading south.
The Lebanese cabinet endorsed the resolution; on television Nasrallah said Hezbollah would not stand in the way of the government's decision, despite reservations. Israel stepped up its offensive. Citing security, the authorities stopped a first civilian convoy of about 120 people from heading south.
Reports at the time: The convoy is not in the archive.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Battle of Wadi Saluki.
On Saturday 12 August, after the UN vote, 401st Brigade tanks crossed Wadi Saluki by day towards Randoria and Farun, exposed to Hezbollah missiles from the villages above. Eleven soldiers died at Saluki and Randoria and six more nearby in the last two days; on Sunday the troops halted to await the ceasefire. Reporters asked what the deaths had achieved; officers later found it hard to justify.
On Saturday 12 August, after the UN vote, 401st Brigade tanks crossed Wadi Saluki by day towards Randoria and Farun, exposed to Hezbollah missiles from the villages above. Eleven soldiers died at Saluki and Randoria and six more nearby in the last two days; on Sunday the troops halted to await the ceasefire. Reporters asked what the deaths had achieved; officers later found it hard to justify.
Reports at the time: The archive gives 24 Israeli soldiers killed across the South on Saturday 12 August, of whom 34 Days attributes eleven to Saluki-Randoria; a Haaretz item places the tanks' passage of the Saluki on the evening of 13 August.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Monday, 14 August 2006
Sunday, 13 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel's cabinet approves the ceasefire as the last bombs fall.
Israel's cabinet approved the ceasefire, with Shaul Mofaz alone abstaining. Heavy bombing went on, Beirut included, and ground forces neither took Khiam nor established themselves on the Litani. That evening an air strike on a house in Brital, near Baalbek, killed five of one family.
Israel's cabinet approved the ceasefire, with Shaul Mofaz alone abstaining. Heavy bombing went on, Beirut included, and ground forces neither took Khiam nor established themselves on the Litani. That evening an air strike on a house in Brital, near Baalbek, killed five of one family.
Sources differ: Brital: five dead of one family (Daher) against at least seven to nine dead and over thirty wounded (archive).
Monday, 14 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel keeps the blockade after the ceasefire.
For some weeks after the ceasefire Israel kept up its sea and air blockade; with bridges and roads destroyed, many villages could not be reached at all.
For some weeks after the ceasefire Israel kept up its sea and air blockade; with bridges and roads destroyed, many villages could not be reached at all.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The ceasefire takes effect at 08:00.
The cessation of hostilities took effect at 8 a.m.; at 7:55 a last Israeli rocket killed five people in a minibus near Baalbek. Israeli reservists soon headed home, Galilee heard no more sirens, and the guns, after almost 180,000 shells in a month, fell silent.
The cessation of hostilities took effect at 8 a.m.; at 7:55 a last Israeli rocket killed five people in a minibus near Baalbek. Israeli reservists soon headed home, Galilee heard no more sirens, and the guns, after almost 180,000 shells in a month, fell silent.
Reports at the time: The archive has strikes on Ain Bourday near Baalbek at 07:10 and, at 09:50, a report of seven people killed by Israeli strikes minutes before the truce; it does not mention the minibus.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Nasrallah claims a 'strategic victory' and promises to rebuild homes.
A video of Nasrallah aired some twelve hours into the ceasefire proclaimed a 'strategic victory' and pledged compensation for destroyed homes. Homeowners got $10,000 to $12,000 to cover a year or more of alternative housing, and Hezbollah's teams had cleared the villages within months; the state, Verdeil notes, was far slower.
A video of Nasrallah aired some twelve hours into the ceasefire proclaimed a 'strategic victory' and pledged compensation for destroyed homes. Homeowners got $10,000 to $12,000 to cover a year or more of alternative housing, and Hezbollah's teams had cleared the villages within months; the state, Verdeil notes, was far slower.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The displaced go home.
Almost a million displaced people headed home, mostly southwards, once the ceasefire held; the schools that had housed them were empty within 48 hours, and many returned to ruins. Unlike in 1982, de Clerck and Malsagne note, the exodus left no lasting mark on Beirut's neighbourhoods.
Almost a million displaced people headed home, mostly southwards, once the ceasefire held; the schools that had housed them were empty within 48 hours, and many returned to ruins. Unlike in 1982, de Clerck and Malsagne note, the exodus left no lasting mark on Beirut's neighbourhoods.
Sources differ: Speed: 'almost all home within 48 hours' (Raymond) against the HRC figures in 111101's July 2006 archive (Figures page), which still count 702,413 displaced on 15-16 August and 262,174 on 19 August.
Reports at the time: The archive also records Israeli leaflets on 14-15 August telling southerners not to return before the army's deployment.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The toll of the war: the books disagree.
The books' counts of the war's dead in Lebanon range from about 900 to nearly 1,200, with over 4,000 wounded and close to a million displaced; on the Israeli side, 116 to 170 dead, most of them soldiers. The figures differ by source, by what they count (all dead, civilians, combatants) and by cutoff date; each version is kept here with who gave it.
The books' counts of the war's dead in Lebanon range from about 900 to nearly 1,200, with over 4,000 wounded and close to a million displaced; on the Israeli side, 116 to 170 dead, most of them soldiers. The figures differ by source, by what they count (all dead, civilians, combatants) and by cutoff date; each version is kept here with who gave it.
Sources differ: Lebanese dead: about 900 (de Clerck and Malsagne, Ministry of Health), 1,100 all categories (34 Days), 1,183 'civilians' (Mermier and Picard; Bustos, who adds 91-134 combatants), nearly 1,200 (Abirached; Quemener, apparently repeating Abirached word for word). Share of civilians: 'almost half' (34 Days, Israeli framing) against the civilian majority in all Lebanese-sourced figures. Israeli dead: 116 soldiers at 14 August (Makki), 150 (Abirached), 161 (34 Days), 162 (Mermier and Picard), 170 (Bustos). Displaced in Israel: 250,000 (Mermier and Picard) against 400,000 (Abirached).
Reports at the time: The archive records the Israeli army's own estimate of 530 Hezbollah fighters killed, 180 of them verified (14 August, 02:20), far above Hezbollah's admissions quoted in 34 Days.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Art and memory
- book The two main books on the war used here, Harel and Issacharoff's 34 Days (2008) and Mermier and Picard's Liban, une guerre de 33 jours (2007), are not in 111101 References.
Since 2005 · From the books
The cessation of hostilities takes effect; the displaced return south.
The ceasefire came into force on 14 August. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people immediately headed back to the South, and Hassan Nasrallah claimed a 'divine' or 'strategic' victory and promised compensation for destroyed homes. Tolls for the 33 days differ widely between the books. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
The ceasefire came into force on 14 August. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people immediately headed back to the South, and Hassan Nasrallah claimed a 'divine' or 'strategic' victory and promised compensation for destroyed homes. Tolls for the 33 days differ widely between the books. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
Sources differ: Lebanese dead: nearly 1,200 (Abirached; Quéméner, who repeats the same figures and probably depends on the same source), about 900 (de Clerck & Malsagne 2025), 1,400 (de Clerck & Malsagne in Confluences 2020). Israeli displaced: 400,000 (Abirached, Quéméner) against 250,000 (Mermier & Picard introduction). Cutoffs and definitions are not given.
\_this day in full (July 2006, as the books tell it) \_this day in full (Since 2005) \_on this day
Tuesday, 15 August 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Assad calls Arab leaders 'half-men' and claims the victory.
A day after the ceasefire Bashar al-Assad told the Press Association in Damascus that the US and Israeli 'new Middle East' was now an illusion, threatened to retake the Golan by force if talks failed, and derided Arab leaders as 'half-men'. Egypt's government press hit back.
A day after the ceasefire Bashar al-Assad told the Press Association in Damascus that the US and Israeli 'new Middle East' was now an illusion, threatened to retake the Golan by force if talks failed, and derided Arab leaders as 'half-men'. Egypt's government press hit back.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel's chief of staff is found to have sold his shares as the war began.
Ma'ariv revealed on 15 August that Dan Halutz had sold his shares on the war's first day; Harel and Issacharoff date his fight for his image from then.
Ma'ariv revealed on 15 August that Dan Halutz had sold his shares on the war's first day; Harel and Issacharoff date his fight for his image from then.
dates 1–60 of 98 next