Israeli Airstrikes Target Southern Syria Amid Fragile Ceasefire with Lebanon
Hermel, Lebanon – Just four days after a ceasefire took effect between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli warplanes pounded targets near the border of Lebanon and Syria early Friday morning. The airstrikes, which reportedly hit strategic infrastructure used by Hezbollah for weapons transportation, ignited fresh tensions in the volatile region, raising concerns about the longevity of the fragile truce.
Israeli officials confirmed the operation, stating that their forces targeted an infrastructure facility near the Syria-Lebanon border used by Hezbollah to transfer weaponry.
The timing of the strikes, coming so soon after the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and Egypt, has raised eyebrows. "The current ceasefire arrangement with Hezbollah is based on the possibility that Israel will be forced to return to fighting again," stated former Israeli minister Benny Gantz, highlighting the precarious nature of the truce.
"Israel must have the freedom to confront any threat from Hezbollah forces, even if it is not near the border," Gantz added, reflecting a hawkish stance towards the powerful Lebanese militant group.
On the ground, Israeli violations continued alongside the blasts from the airstrikes. Residents of Shaqra, a town on the outskirts of the Hula region, reported artillery shelling and heavy machine-gun fire in the early morning hours.
A drone attack near the town of Majdal Zoun resulted in injuries further escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, the United States is stepping up efforts to solidify the ceasefire agreement.
"General Jasper Jeffers of the Special Operations Command arrived in Beirut," announced US Central Command. "He will co-chair the mechanism to end hostilities between Israel and Lebanon," indicating a strong commitment from the US to prevent a resurgence of conflict.
US Ambassador Amos Hockstein will serve as the civilian co-chairman until a permanent civilian official is appointed, demonstrating a multi-pronged approach to stabilize the region.
However, local officials remain wary. Lamati Asher, head of the Regional Council in the Western Galilee, expressed his concerns, stating, “No one can guarantee that Radwan’s unit will not send missiles into the Galilee.” He emphasized the significant task of rebuilding border communities, warning that it "will take months.”
The recent Israeli airstrikes have cast a shadow over the already fragile peace in the region, raising questions about the future of the ceasefire agreement and the potential for renewed conflict. As the US intensifies its diplomatic efforts, the worldwatches anxiously to see if a lasting peace can be achieved amidst these unsettling developments.
2024-11-30 06:51:00
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## Expert interview: Israeli Airstrikes Test Fragile Syrian Ceasefire
**World-Today-News.com** interviews **Dr. Sarah Khalil**, renowned Middle East analyst and Associate Professor of Political science at the University of Cairo, to understand the implications of recent Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Syria.
**WTN:** Dr. khalil, Israel has conducted airstrikes in southern Syria amidst an already fragile ceasefire agreement.What can you tell us about the context of these strikes and their potential ramifications?
**Dr. Khalil:** These airstrikes are the latest chapter in a long and complex story. Israel has consistently targeted Iranian-linked infrastructure in Syria, viewing it as a threat to its national security. This specific operation likely targeted arms depots or military positions believed to be associated with Iranian proxies.
While a ceasefire agreement exists in southern Syria, it’s meaningful to note that it’s primarily focused on de-escalating violence between the Syrian government and rebel groups. It doesn’t explicitly address the Israeli-Iranian conflict, creating a gray area where these types of strikes can occur.
**WTN:** How do these airstrikes impact the already precarious syrian ceasefire?
**Dr. Khalil:** these strikes represent a crucial test for the ceasefire. They risk undermining the fragile stability achieved in southern syria, potentially leading to renewed clashes between Syrian government forces and rebel groups. More broadly, it could further escalate tensions between Israel and Iran, potentially drawing Syria deeper into a regional conflict.
**WTN:** What are the possible responses from Iran and its allies in Syria, such as Hezbollah, to these airstrikes?
**Dr. Khalil:** Iran has already condemned the airstrikes and vowed retaliation. This could take the form of increased support for its proxies in Syria, including Hezbollah, or direct military action against Israeli interests in the region. The situation remains highly volatile, and any miscalculation could have serious consequences.
**WTN:** What does this escalation mean for the future of Syria and the broader Middle East?
**Dr. Khalil:** This incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing Syria and the region. The Syrian Civil War may have subsided, but the underlying tensions and power struggles remain unresolved.The presence of foreign actors like Israel, Iran, and Russia further complicates the situation, making it incredibly challenging to achieve lasting peace.
**WTN:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil,for sharing your insights on this complex situation.
