Just days after a ceasefire was brokered, tensions are flaring once again between Israel and Hezbollah. Both sides are trading accusations of violating the fragile truce, raising fears of a return to open conflict along the volatile border.
On Thursday, the Israeli military reported that its air force struck a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon. The airstrike, the first since the ceasefire took effect on Wednesday morning, targeted an area near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River.
The Israeli army stated it had identified “suspicious activities” involving vehicles arriving in several areas within the southern zone, which it considered breaches of the truce with the Iran-backed armed group. “Any deviation from this agreement will be enforced with fire,” warned Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi.
Hezbollah, in turn, accused Israel of violating the deal. “The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages,” said Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah. “There are violations today by Israel, even in this form.” The Lebanese army also accused Israel of multiple ceasefire violations on Wednesday and Thursday.
Earlier reports indicated that Israeli tank fire hit five towns and agricultural fields in southern Lebanon, wounding at least two people. All the areas lie within 2 kilometers of the Blue Line demarcating the border between Lebanon and Israel, where movement remains heavily restricted.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and France, aims to halt over a year of fighting and lasts for 60 days, with hopes of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities. One of its stipulations is that unauthorized military facilities south of the Litani River should be dismantled, though it does not mention facilities north of the river.
Despite the truce, Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory in towns along the border. Lebanese families displaced from their homes are attempting to return to check on their properties, but Israeli surveillance drones continue to fly over parts of southern Lebanon. The Israeli military has renewed a curfew south of the Litani River, restricting movement between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need for preparedness in case the ceasefire collapses. “If needed, I gave a directive to the IDF – be prepared in case there is a violation of the framework of the ceasefire, for an intense war,” he said in an interview with local media.
The exchange of accusations underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the deep-seated tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. As both sides stand firm, the possibility of renewed conflict looms, leaving civilians on both sides of the border in uncertainty.
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Israel and Hezbollah trade accusations of ceasefire violations
cgtn.com
