In any war, the most critical question is: When to stop?

The term "limited operation" is often misleading in the context of warfare.

Israel has described its initial ground incursion into southern Lebanon as limited. However, the U.S. has already warned that even minor missteps or misjudgments could spiral out of control. It will require immense patience and foresight from both the Israeli military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to uphold the notion of a limited war as the world understands it.

By their very nature, militaries resist withdrawal during large-scale operations. Given the initial progress, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) might feel compelled to escalate, seeing a weakened enemy as a prime opportunity. Conversely, if resistance intensifies, the IDF could argue that the mission has become more critical than ever. Both scenarios align with the instinctive responses of military training. Recognizing the moment to withdraw is essential to avoid becoming ensnared in an endless conflict.

History shows that nearly every prolonged war began with the expectation of a swift resolution.