BEIRUT, Lebanon – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah of an “intensive war” if the fragile ceasefire in southern Lebanon is breached, raising tensions as both sides continue to test the limits of the truce brokered by the United States and France.
The ceasefire, which began early on Nov 27, aims to end a devastating conflict that has left thousands dead in Lebanon and displaced countless families in both Lebanon and Israel. However, incidents of violence have already tested its stability.
On Nov 28, the Israeli military struck what it described as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in southern Lebanon, alleging “terrorist activity” at the site. Additionally, Israeli forces opened fire on individuals they claimed violated the truce, wounding two people in a border village, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
“If necessary, I gave a directive to the (Israeli army) to wage an intensive war in the event of any breach of the truce,” Mr. Netanyahu told Israeli broadcaster Channel 14, signaling a firm stance against potential provocations.
Hezbollah’s Role and Ceasefire Terms
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli troops will maintain their positions temporarily while the Lebanese military and UN peacekeepers are expected to deploy across southern Lebanon. This process includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, designed to prevent a power vacuum that could allow Hezbollah to regain ground.
Lebanese army forces have begun patrolling south of the Litani River but have avoided advancing into areas still occupied by Israeli troops. Residents of front-line villages have been advised by both militaries to delay their return due to safety concerns.
Hezbollah, which dominates much of southern Lebanon, stated it remains on “total readiness” to counter any Israeli aggression. However, the group claims it has removed visible weapons and bases from the areas covered by the ceasefire.
Widespread Devastation
The war has caused immense suffering on both sides of the border. In Lebanon, over 3,961 people have been killed since the conflict escalated in October 2023, according to Lebanese authorities. Israeli officials report 82 soldiers and 47 civilians killed in the hostilities.
In southern Lebanon, many returning residents have found their homes and villages in ruins. “Despite all the destruction and the sorrow, we are happy to be back,” said Umm Mohammed Bzeih, who returned to the village of Zibqin after fleeing two months ago.
In the Christian-majority village of Qlayaa, residents celebrated the arrival of Lebanese soldiers, chanting, “We only want the Lebanese army,” and waving the national flag in a show of support for the military’s efforts to stabilize the region.
Lingering Skepticism
In northern Israel, which has endured steady rocket attacks from Hezbollah for over a year, residents remain uncertain about the ceasefire’s durability. “It’s a shame; we should have continued for at least another two months and finished the job,” said Nissim Ravivo, a resident of Nahariya near the Lebanese border.
The truce comes amid Lebanon’s ongoing political and economic crises, compounded by years of instability. On Nov 28, the Lebanese parliament announced plans to meet in January to elect a president, potentially ending a two-year political vacuum.
As the ceasefire holds tenuously, both Lebanon and Israel face the challenge of rebuilding shattered communities and addressing the deep-seated tensions that fueled the conflict.