Israel Intensifies Attacks on Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
Israel has threatened to escalate its attacks in southern Lebanon, a day after a deadly airstrike killed four people. The warning comes despite a ceasefire agreement in November 2024 with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. This situation has sparked international tension and drawn condemnation for Israel's continued bombardments.
Background
Israel and Hezbollah agreed on a ceasefire in November 2024. Despite this, Israel has maintained troops in five parts of southern Lebanon and has continued regular strikes. This has led to the death of several Lebanese civilians, including a municipal employee who was killed by Israeli soldiers during a raid into southern Lebanon12.
Recent Developments
The recent Israeli drone attack on southern Lebanon resulted in the death of four people and left three others injured3. This is seen as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Furthermore, Israel has stated that it will not tolerate threats from Lebanon and will not allow Hezbollah to rearm4. Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has accused the president of Lebanon of delaying efforts to disarm the Hezbollah2.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has also called on Lebanon to uphold its commitments
to disarm Hezbollah5. The Lebanese army has responded by mobilizing its forces near the border after noticing Israeli troop movements1. The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, has instructed the commander of the army to confront any Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon
3.
International Reactions
The continued Israeli bombardments have drawn growing international condemnation for fuelling instability and targeting non-combatants1. The Trump administration, however, has ramped up pressure on the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah6. A US Republican Senator, Lindsey Graham, has suggested that the killing of Lebanese civilians by Israel is necessary collateral in the fight against Hezbollah1.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has accused Israel of responding to Lebanon's offer to negotiate by intensifying airstrikes. He stated that any negotiation requires mutual willingness, which is not the case1.
Conclusion
Despite the ceasefire agreement, southern Lebanon continues to experience frequent Israeli attacks, leading to the death of several civilians. The international community remains divided on the issue, with some supporting Israel's actions as a necessary defense against Hezbollah, while others condemn the attacks as violations of the ceasefire agreement.