[2] After the establishment of the Israeli Security Zone in southern Lebanon in 1985, Arnoun lay just outside its boundaries, although, from its position at the Beaufort Castle, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) effectively controlled the village.

On February 17, 1999, after Israel alleged that attacks on IDF forces were launched from Arnoun, the village was formally incorporated into the Security Zone.

Then on the night of 22/23 February Hizbullah killed three IDF officers, including a major, in an ambush which led to a three-hour firefight.

[5] The IDF did not immediately attempt to retake the village but was left with a dilemma since Arnoun overlooked the road which the army used to supply its strategic base in Beaufort Castle.

A force of twenty soldiers backed by tanks and APCs entered the village firing tear gas and shooting over the heads of assembled journalists.