Israel Strikes South of Lebanon, Ceasefire Under Threat say Netanyahu and Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hezbollah of dismantling the ceasefire
between Israel and Lebanon, as cross-border fire continues despite the truce agreement. Meanwhile, Hezbollah and the Lebanese government insist that Israel's continued strikes in southern Lebanon have violated the ceasefire, and vow to respond accordingly.
Background and Context
Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance group, has been carrying out drone and rocket attacks against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon and across the border, in response to Israeli military activity during the ceasefire period, including air strikes, demolitions, and artillery shelling. Hezbollah's rejection of direct negotiations with Israel and refusal to disarm have further escalated tensions, with Israel's Defence Minister warning that Hezbollah is playing with fire.
Reports also suggest Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has pledged continued support for Hezbollah, with commander of the Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, emphasizing the strength and unity of resistance forces.
Key Developments
Netanyahu, in his weekly cabinet meeting, stated that Israel would continue to vigorously
target Hezbollah, accusing the group of threatening the ceasefire. It must be understood that Hezbollah's violations are, in practice, dismantling the ceasefire,
he said. Israel reserves the right to respond to planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks under the terms of the truce.
In contrast, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has declared that Israel's attempts to end the group have reached a dead end
and vowed to persist in the group's defensive resistance for Lebanon and its people.
He also urged the Lebanese government to cease direct negotiations with Israel.
Implications and Reactions
The fragile ceasefire, extended recently for another three weeks, has been criticized on both sides of the border. Residents in southern Lebanon describe the situation as a ceasefire in name only
, amid ongoing exchanges of fire. Similarly, northern Israeli officials and residents have expressed frustration at the situation, describing it as a 'porous ceasefire'.
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom suggested that Netanyahu's announcement ordering a forceful response against Hezbollah was intended as a show of force
to ease internal pressure and shift responsibility onto the army. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has stated that the group's attacks are a legitimate response to the enemy's persistent violations of the ceasefire.
Current Status
While the ceasefire has been extended, the situation remains tense as both sides accuse each other of violations. Reports suggest that Israeli strikes on Lebanon have damaged or destroyed more than 62,000 homes, with Israeli forces continuing operations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has pledged to respond to any further Israeli aggression, declaring that the enemy's continued ceasefire violations... will be met with a response and a resistance that is... ready to defend its land and people.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Lebanon’s foreign minister, Youssef Raggi, has announced that the country will engage in direct negotiations with Israel aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. However, the effectiveness of these negotiations remains to be seen as Hezbollah is not part of the arrangement.