Cyber Attacks on Southern Lebanon in the Light of International Criminal Law

Abstract

Cyberattacks pose a major challenge to national security، regional stability، and international peace، particularly with rapid technological advancements reshaping security and crime. This research focuses on cyberattacks in South Lebanon as a case study to explore the intersection of cybersecurity، international criminal law، and geopolitical dynamics. It highlights the growing use of cyber tools by state and non-state actors to achieve political and military goals، raising legal questions about classifying and punishing such attacks. The significance of this research lies in the urgent need to update international legal frameworks to keep pace with technological developments and enhance the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. Additionally، studying this phenomenon within the context of South Lebanon highlights the legal gaps that hinder achieving international criminal justice in response to cybercrimes. The research aims to achieve several objectives، including: analyzing the concept of cyberattacks within the framework of international criminal law، assessing the compatibility of these attacks with principles of international law such as sovereignty، non-intervention، and the prohibition of the use of force، and determining the legal implications of these attacks at both national and international levels. Furthermore، the study seeks to propose practical recommendations to strengthen the international legal system in combating cybercrimes. The research methodology adopted an analytical approach، examining relevant legal texts، including international humanitarian law agreements and conventions related to cybercrimes. A comparative analysis was also conducted between national and international laws to explore how cyberattacks are classified and punished. The findings of the research indicate that cyberattacks targeting civilians or critical infrastructure may rise to the level of "international crimes" if they involve violations of international humanitarian law. The study also confirms the existence of legal gaps in the current international system that hinder effective accountability for such crimes. In conclusion، the research emphasizes the importance of enhancing international cooperation to establish a comprehensive legal framework addressing cyber threats and ensuring criminal justice. It also calls for strengthening national and regional capacities to combat cybercrimes، particularly in politically and security-sensitive areas such as South Lebanon.