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».
#Lebanons #truce #Israel #tightrope #Attacks #recriminations
## Lebanon-israel Truce: A Fragile Peace on a Razor’s Edge?
The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the US and France, has brought a tentative calm to the volatile border region after 14 months of intense hostilities. though, early violations, including drone activity and aerial bombardments, cast a shadow of doubt on the truce’s durability. With Israeli troops remaining stationed on Lebanese soil and Prime Minister Netanyahu issuing warnings of a potential “fierce war,” a sense of apprehension hangs heavy over the delicate situation.
To shed light on the precarious peace and its implications,we spoke with two leading experts: Professor Daniel Levy,a respected Middle East scholar and former advisor to Israeli Prime Ministers,and Dr. Rima Majed, a political analyst specializing in Lebanese affairs and a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
### The Fragility of the Ceasefire
**World Today News:** Professor Levy, what are your initial impressions of the ceasefire agreement, and what are the most pressing concerns regarding its long-term viability?
**professor Levy:** The ceasefire represents a crucial first step towards de-escalation, offering a much-needed respite to civilians on both sides. Though, its fragility is palpable. Early violations, coupled with Netanyahu’s inflammatory rhetoric, highlight the deeply rooted mistrust and the potential for a swift return to violence.
**World Today News:** Dr. Majed, from a Lebanese viewpoint, how is the ceasefire perceived, and what are the primary challenges facing the Lebanese people in the aftermath of the conflict?
**Dr. Majed:** the Lebanese people welcome the ceasefire, yearning for a return to normalcy after months of terror and displacement. However, deep anxieties remain. The Israeli military presence on Lebanese soil, the lack of guarantees for the safe return of all displaced citizens, and the ongoing threat of Israeli retaliation create a climate of uncertainty.
### Netanyahu’s Hard Line Stance
**World Today News:** Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that Israel stands ready for ”all-out war” if Hezbollah violates the agreement. Professor Levy, how does this stance affect the prospects for lasting peace?
**Professor Levy:** Netanyahu’s bellicose posture undermines the fragile peace process. By openly threatening military action, he fuels tensions and diminishes the chances of trust-building. A more conciliatory approach, focusing on diplomacy and confidence-building measures, is essential to stabilise the situation.
### The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
**World Today News:** Dr. Majed, what are the key steps needed to ensure the ceasefire endures and build a more enduring peace in the region?
**Dr.Majed:** A genuine commitment from both sides is crucial. This involves a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory, addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced citizens, and engaging in meaningful dialog to address the root causes of the conflict.
**World Today News:** Looking ahead, what are your predictions for the future of the Israel-Lebanon relationship?
**Professor Levy:** the path forward remains precarious. While the ceasefire offers a window of chance, genuine peace hinges on a essential shift in perspective from both sides.Bold leadership, a willingness to compromise, and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues are crucial for achieving a lasting and just peace.
**Key Takeaways:**
– The Lebanon-Israel truce is a fragile step towards peace,facing immediate challenges from violations and ongoing tensions.
– A shift from military posturing to diplomacy and confidence-building measures is essential for lasting stability.
– Addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced populations and engaging in dialogue on underlying issues are key to a sustainable peace process.
**Join the Conversation:**
What are your thoughts on the fragile peace in the region? Share your perspectives in the comments section below.
**Related Articles:**
* **Iran’s Nuclear Program: A Ticking Time Bomb?**
* **The Hamas Hostage Crisis: Can a deal Be Reached?**
