Fragile Peace: Hezbollah Begins Withdrawal from Lebanon’s South as Israel Maintains Presence
Following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has initiated its withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This move, which began on the second day of the truce, takes place alongside a deployment of Lebanese government forces into the region.
Images published by Lebanese authorities show troop movements into the Litani region south of Beirut, indicating a shift in control as Hezbollah pulls back from the Israeli border.
Witnesses and media reports indicate Hezbollah trucks carrying military equipment, including rocket launchers, are moving north from their positions near Nabatieh, the largest city in southern Lebanon.
The withdrawal of Hezbollah north of the Litani River, a key provision of the ceasefire, is aimed at creating a buffer zone between the militant group and Israeli forces.
A Delicate Balance
Despite Hezbollah’s retreat, tensions remain high. "The Israeli military announced today that it had carried out an airstrike on Hezbollah’s medium-range rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon," the article stated. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement, with Israel hitting a Hezbollah rocket facility and Hezbollah claiming Israeli jets are still active in the region.
"Both Israel and Hezbollah accused the other of ‘violating the ceasefire agreement’ by moving fighter jets and bombing only a day after the ceasefire to come to an end. The 60-day truce that was only achieved after 13 months of conflict appears to be on thin ice from the start.”
The fragile nature of the ceasefire is further highlighted by reports of Israeli troops remaining stationed in southern Lebanon, despite the agreement and ongoing reports of Israeli fire directed at returning residents and journalists.
The 60-day truce, if it holds, will see a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon over the next two months. The agreement stipulates that only Lebanese government forces and the United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) will remain in the border area once the withdrawal is complete.
On the 29th (local time), the third day of the ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, a vehicle from the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrols the road in the southern border area of Lebanon . AFP Yonhap News
The future of the region hangs in the balance. The possibility of a lasting peace remains uncertain, and the international community, including the United States, will be closely watching to ensure the fragile ceasefire holds.
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2024-11-29 11:36:00
## Fragile Peace: A Conversation with Dr. Yasmine Sadawi on Hezbollah’s Withdrawal
**Following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has initiated its withdrawal from southern Lebanon.This move, which began on the second day of the truce, coincides with the deployment of Lebanese government forces into the region. World Today news spoke with Dr. Yasmine Sadawi, Senior Analyst on Middle Eastern Security at the International Think Tank for Peace and Security, to discuss the implications of these developments and the fragile peace hanging in the balance.**
**World Today News:** Dr. Sadawi, can you shed light on the significance of Hezbollah’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon?
**Dr. Sadawi:** This withdrawal is a major development, undoubtedly.It signals a crucial step towards de-escalation following the recent hostilities. Publicly,it fulfills a key demand in the ceasefire agreement,demonstrating Hezbollah’s commitment to the truce and presumably,easing tensions with Israel.
**World Today News:** Yet, dose this indicate a genuine shift in Hezbollah’s strategy, or is it a tactical maneuver?
**Dr.Sadawi:** It’s a complex situation. Hezbollah has a history of reacting to changing circumstances, and this withdrawal could be seen as a way to regroup and strategize following the recent conflict. While it appears they are pulling back from the immediate border, they retain a strong presence in southern Lebanon. This withdrawal should not be interpreted as a sign of disarmament or relinquishing their influence.
**World Today News:** We’ve seen Lebanese government forces moving into the Litani region. What does this deployment signify, and is it a credible substitute for Hezbollah’s presence?
**Dr. Sadawi:** This deployment is a direct consequence of the ceasefire agreement, aimed at demonstrating the Lebanese government’s control and authority in the south. Though, it’s crucial to remember the complex power dynamics at play. While the Lebanese Army is officially in charge, Hezbollah remains a potent force with considerable sway in the region.
**World Today News:** This peace seems fragile. What are the main risks and challenges to its sustainability?
**Dr. Sadawi:** The fragility of this peace is palpable. Numerous factors contribute to this, including:
* **Mistrust**: Deep-rooted animosity and mistrust between Hezbollah and Israel remains a significant obstacle.
* **Political instability:** Lebanon’s own internal political landscape is volatile, with various factions vying for power, making it difficult to maintain a unified front.
* **External influences**: Regional players like Iran, who heavily back Hezbollah, and Saudi Arabia, a staunch opponent, could potentially disrupt the fragile peace through their own geopolitical agendas.
* **Unresolved issues**: The underlying conflict between Israel and Lebanon over territorial claims and security concerns remains unresolved. This lack of a comprehensive political solution leaves the door open for future escalation.
**World Today news:** What can be done to consolidate this fragile peace and prevent a relapse into violence?
**Dr.Sadawi:** Long-term peace requires a multi-pronged approach:
* **Sustained dialog**: Both sides need to engage in meaningful dialogue, addressing core grievances and building confidence-building measures.
* **International support**: The international community, particularly the united States, must actively facilitate negotiations and provide peacekeeping support.
* **Addressing root causes**: ultimately, tackling the root causes of the conflict, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue, is crucial for achieving lasting peace.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Dr.Sadawi, for your insightful analysis. The path to lasting peace in the region remains intricate and arduous, but understanding the nuances of this complex situation is crucial for navigating its challenges.
**(End of interview)**
