It's essentially a war. At issue is the Hezbollah guerillas/terrorists who set up shop in southern lebanon, complete with functional government. Hezbollah is supported by Syria and Iran. These are the guys who kidnapped the Israeli soldiers yesterday. The reaction by Isreal doesn't make a whole lot of sense; they are systematically destroying Lebanon instead of going after Hezbollah. Essentially they are destroying Lebanon, but what will replace it? Hezbollah could then control all of Lebanon, and indeed the region will be set back 20 years, as the Isrealis claim they will do to Lebanon. This stance by Isreal isn't going to be effective, and may drag in (should drag in) Syria and Iran. Otherwise, there is no point in this action.