The Israeli cyber war against Hezbollah and Lebanon and its impact on national security under international law

Abstract

Cyber warfare has become an essential part of modern conflicts between states, with some parties relying on cyberattacks to disrupt the critical infrastructure of their adversaries. In this context, Israeli cyberattacks against Hezbollah and Lebanon play a significant role in fueling the conflict between the two sides, raising questions about the legality of these attacks under international law and their impact on Lebanese national security.

     With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing reliance on cyberspace, cyberattacks have come to pose a direct threat to global security.

        International law is still adapting to accommodate this type of conflict, presenting a complex challenge to public international law. Although international humanitarian law provides a general framework for armed conflicts, it remains insufficient to address all aspects of cyber warfare. Thus, there is a need for greater international cooperation to establish new legal rules or amend existing ones in line with modern cyber threats, which would help prevent the misuse of cyberspace, maintain stability and peace, enhance global security, and protect national sovereignty.

     This research aims to shed light on Israeli cyberattacks against Hezbollah and Lebanon, analyze the impact of these attacks on Lebanese national security, and examine their compatibility with international legal rules governing the use of force in armed conflicts.