Israel's psychological warfare tactics are designed to create a false sense of victory, influencing both local and international perceptions of the conflict.
The use of media manipulation has historical roots, reflecting similar strategies employed in past conflicts, such as World War II and the Iraq War.
The nighttime raids serve not only military objectives but are also a calculated move to enhance the psychological impact on the civilian population.
As the conflict continues, the psychological tactics employed by Israel may evolve, potentially leading to increased civilian unrest in Lebanon.
International media coverage of the conflict may face scrutiny over bias, impacting public perception and diplomatic responses.
The ongoing psychological warfare may lead to a deterioration in civilian morale, influencing future resistance and support for Hezbollah.
In a recent analysis by Al Jazeera, Israel's military operations in Lebanon have been characterized not only by physical confrontations but also by a calculated psychological warfare campaign aimed at instilling fear among civilians. Experts highlight that Israel's tactics include the dissemination of manipulated images and videos, as well as the timing of raids to maximize psychological impact. This strategy aims to create an illusion of control and victory that does not reflect the actual situation on the ground. Dr. Muhammad Hassan from the Lebanese University noted that this approach mirrors historical precedents, such as the U.S. propaganda during the Iraq War in 2003, where imagery played a crucial role in shaping public perception.
The report points out that since the onset of the ground invasion a month ago, Israel has attempted to project dominance by showcasing images of soldiers purportedly raising the Israeli flag in contested areas. However, Hezbollah has countered these claims, asserting that Israeli forces quickly retreated after such photo opportunities. This back-and-forth illustrates the ongoing battle for narratives in the conflict, as both sides leverage media to influence public sentiment.
The psychological warfare extends to how Israel communicates potential targets to civilians, with the intention of creating panic and fear. Ragheb Jaber, another academic, emphasized that the information released by the Israeli army regarding resistance locations serves more as a psychological tactic than a genuine operational strategy. The nighttime raids, in particular, are designed to amplify the terror experienced by residents, as the sounds and visuals of explosions are more pronounced in darkness. Furthermore, the recent organization of media tours for international journalists by the Israeli army has raised concerns about the portrayal of the conflict, with accusations of biased reporting that neglects the realities faced by Lebanese civilians.
