Tensions Flare as Israeli Strikes and Hezbollah Mortars Shatter Ceasefire in Lebanon
Tensions in Lebanon are escalating after a series of Israeli airstrikes and a retaliatory mortar attack by Hezbollah raised fears that the recently established ceasefire could collapse.
Tensions flared after Israeli airstrikes targeted what the country’s military described as "Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of launchers, and terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon" on Monday night. This marked the largest wave of Israeli airstrikes since a ceasefire agreement was reached a week earlier, ending 13 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The strikes, which Israel said were “in response to several acts by Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed a threat to Israeli civilians", killed ten people in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah responded with a warning, firing two mortars at an Israeli army base in a disputed border area, stating their attack was "a defensive and warning response" to what they described as repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. No casualties were reported from the mortar attack.
The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, has come under significant pressure since its implementation. Both sides have accused the other of violating its terms, with Israel claiming Hezbollah’s presence south of the Litani river constitutes a breach.
“There was a plethora of violations yesterday – over 54,” stated Nabih Berri, a senior political figure in Lebanon and a key ally of Hezbollah who helped negotiate the ceasefire.
Speaking to his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stressed the need for all sides to respect the ceasefire. The Israeli military, however, defended its actions, stating, “We will not accept a return to the situation as it stood [before the conflict]” and pledged continued operations if Hezbollah fighters remained south of the Litani River.
Despite the crackling tension, US officials have expressed cautious optimism about the broader situation.
“We’ve gone from dozens of [Israeli] strikes down to one a day maybe two a day,” White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby told reporters. "We’re going to keep trying and see what we can do to get it down to zero.”
As the situation remains volatile, the international community watches closely, fearing a return to full-blown conflict in the region.
The limited installments by Hezbollah were conducted toward Mount Dov/Shebaa Farms, a region occupied by Israel but claimed by Lebanon. They were transmitted towards a void local and a plurality of injuries were reported.
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