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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## Israel-Lebanon Truce on Thin Ice: Can Peace Hold Amidst Violations and Threats?
**Tensions remain high in the aftermath of the hard-fought ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with reports of immediate violations casting a shadow over the fragile peace. While civilians cautiously return to their border communities, Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threat of “all-out war” has reignited anxieties. To analyze the precarious situation and explore its potential trajectory, World Today News spoke with Dr. Sarah Cohen, a Middle east peace negotiator and expert on Hezbollah’s operations, and Dr. David Stein, a former Israeli diplomat specializing in international relations.**
**Setting the Stage: A Delicate Ceasefire**
**Dr. Cohen:** The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US and France, is a crucial step towards de-escalating the 14-month conflict. However, the incidents of Israeli airstrikes and drone activity shortly after its implementation highlight the underlying fragility of the truce. It seems both sides remain deeply suspicious and ready to resort to force.
**Dr. Stein:** The agreement is undoubtedly a positive advancement, allowing for the return of displaced civilians and offering a much-needed respite from violence. However, Netanyahu’s statements, while perhaps intended to deter future Hezbollah aggression, contribute to an atmosphere of tension and mistrust. We must be realistic – peace in this region is a marathon, not a sprint.
### Netanyahu’s Warning: Deterrent or Provocation?
**Host:** Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the Israeli military ready for “fierce war” should the ceasefire be violated. What is the strategic rationale behind such a strong stance?
**Dr. Stein:** Netanyahu is undoubtedly facing pressure from within Israel, where public frustration with Hezbollah’s presence is high. His rhetoric is likely intended to reassure Israelis that their security remains a priority. However, such bellicose language risks antagonizing Hezbollah and undermining the fragile peace.
**Dr.Cohen:** It’s a risky gamble. On the one hand, a show of strength might deter Hezbollah from further provocations. On the other hand, it could be perceived as a threat, ultimately encouraging a renewed cycle of violence.
### Hezbollah’s Response: Prudence or calculated Patience?
**Host:** How has Hezbollah responded to the ceasefire and Netanyahu’s threats?
**Dr. Cohen:** Hezbollah’s response so far has been relatively muted. They have not claimed responsibility for any violations, and their official statements have focused on the need for Israel to respect the agreement. This suggests a calculated decision to avoid escalation for now, possibly to assess the situation and consolidate their gains.
**Dr. Stein:** It is indeed crucial to remember that Hezbollah operates within a complex power dynamic in Lebanon. They need to balance their goals with the interests of other Lebanese factions and the broader regional context.The current situation might allow them to regroup and rebuild their capabilities while maintaining a degree of strategic ambiguity.
### Looking Ahead: Is Lasting Peace Achievable?
**Host:** What are the prospects for a lasting peace in the region?
**Dr. Stein:** The road to lasting peace is long and arduous. It requires sustained international efforts, addressing the root causes of the conflict, and building trust between both sides. Both Israel and Lebanon need to commit to dialogue and find ways to address each other’s security concerns.
**Dr.Cohen:** The current ceasefire is a glimmer of hope, but it’s merely the first step. Without a genuine commitment to peacebuilding and addressing the underlying grievances, the cycle of violence will likely continue. Ultimately, achieving sustainable peace requires more than just a cessation of hostilities; it necessitates a transformation of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon.
**This is a pivotal moment. What unfolds in the coming days and weeks will determine whether the ceasefire becomes a stepping stone towards lasting peace or merely a temporary respite before the next round of conflict. Stay informed, engage in constructive dialogue, and demand action from your leaders to promote peaceful solutions in the Middle East.**
**For further analysis of the conflict, see our recent articles on the history of Israeli-Lebanese relations and the impact of the hamas hostage crisis.**
