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: A Delicate Balance on the Brink?
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has ushered in a glimmer of hope for war-torn border communities, but tensions remain high. Within hours of the agreement brokered by the US and France, the truce was marred by reported drone attacks and aerial bombardment targeting Hezbollah positions. This precarious situation raises concerns about the long-term viability of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed violence.
Too shed light on the complexities surrounding this delicate truce, we spoke with **Dr.Sarah Elhadramy**, a Middle east conflict analyst at the International Crisis Group, and **Professor David Ben-Ami**, an expert on Israeli military strategy at Tel Aviv University.
### Initial Violations and the Path to Peace
**World-Today News:** _Dr. Elhadramy, the ceasefire agreement was hailed as a promising step towards peace. However, reports of violations surfaced almost immediately. what factors might be contributing to this fragile situation?_
**Dr. Elhadramy:** The immediate post-ceasefire period is often fraught with tension. Both sides may feel the need to assert their dominance or respond to perceived threats.
The reported drone strikes and bombardment, nonetheless of their justification, undoubtedly undermine trust and raise questions about the commitment to peace. These initial violations highlight the precarious nature of the ceasefire and the notable challenges ahead.
**World-Today News:** _Professor Ben Ami, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated preparedness for “all-out war” if the agreement is violated. How do you interpret this stance, and what message does it send to Hezbollah?_
**Professor Ben-Ami:** Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement reflects Israel’s longstanding policy of maintaining a strong deterrent against perceived threats. While it underscores the seriousness with which Israel takes the ceasefire, it could also be interpreted as a form of sabre-rattling, potentially escalating tensions.
**World-Today News:** *The agreement allows for the gradual return of displaced civilians to border areas.What are the concerns and challenges facing these communities?*
**Dr. Elhadramy:** Returning civilians face immense challenges, including the destruction of infrastructure, the threat of unexploded ordnance, and psychological trauma.
Furthermore, the lack of guarantees regarding the ceasefire’s durability deepens their anxiety. The international community must provide robust support for their reintegration and create conditions conducive to sustained peace.
### Future Outlook: Stability or Escalation?
**World-Today News:** _The ceasefire agreement calls for the removal of Israeli troops from Lebanese soil. What are the expectations for this withdrawal, Professor Ben-Ami?_
**Professor Ben-Ami:** The withdrawal of Israeli troops is a critical component of the ceasefire agreement.
However, it is unlikely to be immediate or complete. Security concerns and the destruction of Hezbollah’s infrastructure on the border will likely influence the pace and extent of the withdrawal.
**world-Today News:** _Looking forward, what are the prospects for a lasting peace in the region?_
**Dr. Elhadramy:** _While the ceasefire is a positive growth, achieving a lasting peace requires addressing the underlying political and social issues driving the conflict.
This includes tackling the status of Palestinian refugees, securing borders, and promoting trust and cooperation between Israelis and Lebanese. Without committed efforts towards these long-term solutions, the region remains vulnerable to further cycles of violence._
**”The path to peace is a long and arduous one,” Professor Ben-Ami adds, “but this ceasefire represents a crucial step in the right direction.Sustained international diplomacy and unwavering commitment from both parties are paramount for ensuring its success.”**
What are your thoughts on the Israeli-Lebanese ceasefire? Do you believe this truce represents a real chance for peace, or is it just a temporary reprieve from violence? Share your views in the comments below and explore our other articles on the israel-Palestine conflict for further insight.
