local
A former prime minister who led Israel out of Lebanon fears mistakes are being repeated
By Melanie Lidman, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 17, 2026
· 6 min read
It was just before sunrise when the last columns of Israeli tanks crossed from Lebanon back into Israel and then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who ordered the withdrawal, said the homecoming of Israeli troops sent “shivers down his spine.”That was May 24, 2000, the day Israel ended its 18-year occup...
Key takeaway ”That was May 24, 2000, the day Israel ended its 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The situation in Lebanon has implications for the Houston area, given the city's significant Jewish population and its historical support for Israel. As Israel extends its military presence in Lebanon, local residents with ties to the region are likely to be concerned about the potential for prolonged conflict. The memories of the 2000 withdrawal and the current occupation may resonate with Houstonians who have family or friends serving in the Israeli military or living in affected areas. The economic and humanitarian consequences of an open-ended occupation could also impact local businesses and organizations with connections to the Middle East. As the situation unfolds, Houston's Jewish community and other local groups may be watching closely to see how the Israeli government navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region, and how the US responds to the evolving situation.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It was just before sunrise when the last columns of Israeli tanks crossed from Lebanon back into Israel and then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who ordered the withdrawal, said the homecoming of Israeli troops sent “shivers down his spine.”That was May 24, 2000, the day Israel ended its 18-year occup...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Melanie Lidman, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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