The truce agreed between Israel and Lebanon is on a fine line, as already a few hours after the agreement on the cease-fire there were violations.
According to information from ERT, the violations were two with drones, but also an aerial bombardment, against Hezbollah positions. The Israeli government justified the strikes, claiming suspicious movement by the Lebanese group at a missile depot.
A cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday, under a deal brokered by the US and France to allow displaced people in both countries to begin returning to their homes in border areas that have been torn apart by 14 months of hostilities.
Israeli troops are still stationed on Lebanese soil in towns along the border, and this morning the Israeli military called on residents of border-strip towns not to return yet for their own safety.
Although many decided to return to their homeland, Lebanon, after the agreement, they themselves seem to be cautiously optimistic. The images from the area show the citizens, of course, to be ready to start their lives again from the beginning, despite their concerns.
Netanyahu’s threats despite the truce
In his first interview since the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the army to be ready for “fierce war”. As the IDF clarified, it will “open fire” on Lebanon if Hezbollah violates the agreement.
«If there is a flagrant violation of the agreement, I have ordered the Israeli Armed Forces (IDF) to be ready for all-out war“, he characteristically said.
He estimated that the ceasefire in Lebanon “may be short”, assuring that Israel respected it “on the first day”.
Asked why Israel is not establishing a safe zone in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu noted that “the threat of land invasion has been eliminated». He also emphasized that the IDF destroyed Hezbollah’s infrastructure on the border. These include underground shelters and tunnels.
The people of northern Israel “they will gradually return. When they realize that what I say is true“, he added.
He did not hide his belief that the conditions for reaching an agreement on the release of the Hamas hostages have improved. “I believe that conditions have changed a lot, for the better“, he estimated.
Referring to Iran’s nuclear program, Benjamin Netanyahu clarified: “I will do everything to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power».
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## Lebanon-Israel Truce: A fragile Peace on a Razor’s Edge?
A fragile ceasefire has been declared between Israel and Hezbollah, bringing a temporary respite to the 14-month conflict along their volatile border.While the agreement, brokered by the US and France, offers a glimmer of hope for displaced civilians, early violations and stark threats from Israeli Prime Minister benjamin Netanyahu raise serious concerns about its longevity.
Joining us today to analyze the precarious situation are Dr. Sarah Cohen,a Middle East expert at Tel Aviv university,and omar Khalil,a senior analyst at the Lebanon-based Institute for Near East Studies.They will delve into the intricacies of the truce, explore the underlying motivations driving both sides, and discuss the potential ramifications for the region.
### Violation Fears: A Test for the Truce
**World-Today-News**: Dr. Cohen, the ceasefire agreement is reportedly already being challenged by alleged violations. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Dr. Cohen**: It appears that both sides are accusing each other of minor violations. While Hezbollah claims Israel conducted aerial attacks on their positions, Israel justifies these actions as necessary responses to suspicious activity detected near missile depots.
Such incidents underscore the fragility of this truce. It highlights the deep distrust that exists and the constant risk of escalation. Any perceived transgression could easily spiral out of control, plunging the region back into violence.
**World-Today-News**: mr. Khalil, from a Lebanese perspective, how are these initial violations being perceived?
**Omar Khalil**: There’s understandable anxiety among the Lebanese population. While weary of conflict, they are also cautious about trusting a ceasefire that is so quickly being contested.
These incidents, even if minor, feed into the fear that this truce is merely a temporary pause rather than a genuine commitment to peace. The international community needs to take a proactive role in ensuring both parties fully respect the agreement and address any grievances swiftly.
### Netanyahu’s Hawkish stance: Prelude to War?
**World-Today-News**: Prime Minister Netanyahu has delivered a stark warning, stating that Israel is prepared for ”all-out war” if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire. what message is he trying to convey with this bellicose rhetoric?
**dr. Cohen**: It’s a clear message of deterrence. Netanyhau wants to send a strong signal that Israel will not tolerate any breaches of the agreement. His stance also reflects the domestic political context, where he needs to appear strong to his base.
However, such uncompromising language could prove to be counterproductive, further exacerbating tensions and making it harder to find a sustainable long-term solution.
**World-Today-News**: Mr. Khalil, how might hezbollah respond to Netanyahu’s threats?
**Omar Khalil**: Hezbollah is walking a tightrope. They need to show their supporters that they are strong and capable of defending themselves, but they also understand the potential devastation of another war.
Perhaps they’ll continue with a policy of “measured response,” reacting to Israeli provocations but avoiding actions that could trigger a full-scale conflict.
### Lasting Peace: A Distant Horizon?
**World-Today-News**: Both our experts have highlighted the fragility of this ceasefire. Do you think a lasting peace is achievable in the foreseeable future?
**Dr. Cohen**: Reaching a lasting peace agreement remains a distant goal. The underlying issues fueling this conflict, such as Hezbollah’s military presence in southern Lebanon and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, are far from being resolved.
**Omar Khalil**: We need a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of tension.This includes tackling issues like the status of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, and Israeli settlements.
Thank you both for your valuable insights.
Readers who want to learn more about the complexities of the Israel-Lebanon conflict can explore our past articles on the subject, including our analysis of the role of regional powers and the impact of the conflict on civilian populations. Please share your thoughts and comments below.
