This study addresses the Israeli view of the threat posed by various armed factions in southern Lebanon over an 18-year period. This was a period during which Israeli used air strikes, ground invasions, and border operations to contain or defeat the military threat to its national security. Contents: Introduction; (1) Understanding Asymmetric Warfare; (2) Strategic Planning, Strategic Choices; (3) Disaster Strikes; (4) Strategic Failure; Conclusion; Appendix on Statistical Methods; Bibliography.