The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to further casualties and tensions in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces, despite missing the deadline for withdrawal as stipulated in a ceasefire agreement, have reportedly killed at least 14 people and wounded over 80. The Lebanese health ministry stated that these casualties occurred as people tried to enter towns and villages that remained under Israeli occupation. The Lebanese army also confirmed that an Israeli attack resulted in the death of one of its soldiers and injured another.
The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, called for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah fighters and weapons were to be removed from the area. This agreement, which ended 14 months of intense conflict, included the deployment of Lebanese soldiers to regions where Hezbollah had long been the dominant force. However, as the deadline passed, Israel’s military acknowledged that the ceasefire had not been fully implemented. It claimed that Hezbollah had not yet withdrawn, and some Israeli soldiers remained in Lebanon. The Israeli military also conducted “warning shots” and detained several individuals it labeled as threats.
The situation on the ground is tense, with many Lebanese residents returning to their homes despite warnings from both the Lebanese and Israeli armies, as well as the UN, about the continued dangers in the region. The passing of the deadline marks a significant challenge for Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, who has emphasized Lebanon’s sovereignty in the face of Israeli actions.
The ceasefire’s failure to fully resolve the situation has also strained the Lebanese army’s deployment. According to the Lebanese military, the delay in Israeli withdrawal has complicated its task. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has not yet made an official response, though it has previously warned that any failure to meet the ceasefire terms would be a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.
This failure to comply with the ceasefire deadline highlights the delicate political and military situation in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s weakened position, after significant losses in the conflict, complicates its future decisions. Despite diminished political influence and the country’s focus on internal reforms, Hezbollah’s military capabilities and its influence on Lebanon’s governance remain significant. The ongoing tensions are likely to persist as Israel and Lebanon navigate a fragile and complex peace.
