Ceasefire Accusations Fly as Israel Strikes Hezbollah Target in Lebanon
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been thrown into doubt after Israel launched an air strike on a Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon, prompting immediate accusations of a breach from both sides, Al Jazeera reports.
The attack, which occurred Thursday, followed earlier Israeli claims of ceasefire violations by Lebanese forces.
The Israeli military said it targeted a Hezbollah facility near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River, hours after reporting that it had fired upon individuals in several southern Lebanese areas allegedly violating the ceasefire agreement. This is the first Israeli attack since the ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, came into effect Wednesday morning. Lebanese security sources and the Al Jadeed news outlet confirmed the strike.
The Lebanese army countered by accusing Israel of multiple ceasefire violations on both Wednesday and Thursday. The ceasefire agreement stipulates a phased withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces from southern Lebanon over 60 days, followed by deployment of the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers. While the agreement mandates the dismantling of Hezbollah facilities south of the Litani River, it makes no mention of those located north of the river, raising questions about the legality of the Israeli strike.
Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that he has instructed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for war should further ceasefire violations occur.
The ongoing conflict has already exacted a heavy toll. The Lebanese health ministry reports at least 3,961 deaths and 16,520 injuries from Israeli attacks since October 2023. Israeli authorities, meanwhile, cite Hezbollah attacks in northern Israel and the Golan Heights as responsible for the deaths of 45 civilians and at least 73 Israeli soldiers. The conflict has also displaced over 1.2 million Lebanese since Israel escalated its bombardment in late September and launched a ground assault in October.
Despite the ceasefire, many displaced Lebanese attempting to return home face renewed curfews imposed by the Israeli army, restricting movement between 5 pm and 7 am. In Tyre, residents returning to their homes are grappling with the widespread damage inflicted by the Israeli attacks.
Separately, Lebanon’s parliamentary speaker announced that parliament will convene on January 9, 2025, to elect a new president, a position vacant since 2022.
