One month after the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel was meant to pave the way for peace, tensions remain high as Israeli forces continue to violate Lebanese sovereignty and territory. Signed on November 27, the ceasefire was intended to bring relief to the battered southern regions of Lebanon, allowing displaced civilians to return home. However, Israel’s blatant disregard for the terms of the agreement has undermined these efforts, leaving Lebanon’s future uncertain and its people at risk.
The ceasefire, which required Israel to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and allowed the Lebanese Army to deploy in the region, has been consistently breached by Israeli forces. In the first month alone, over 300 violations have been recorded, with no real consequences for the aggressor. Rather than adhering to the terms of the agreement, Israel has continued its military operations, including airstrikes and incursions, while Lebanon has largely honored the ceasefire, with Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army striving to maintain peace in a volatile environment.
Hezbollah’s Defensive Response and Continued Israeli Aggression
Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance movement, has not remained silent in the face of these violations. On December 2, Hezbollah conducted a defensive warning operation in Ruwaysat al-Alam, located in Kfar Shuba, targeting Israeli positions as a direct response to these violations. Hezbollah made it clear that it will continue to take action if Israel does not halt its aggressive behavior. Despite this defensive operation, Israel has pressed on with its incursions, most notably advancing into Wadi al-Hujayr, a Hezbollah stronghold just seven kilometers from the border. This invasion forced residents of the Qantara village to flee for their safety, further escalating the crisis.
As part of its continued push into Lebanese territory, Israel also abducted Lebanese citizen Houssam Fawaz, who was on his way to his workplace at a UNIFIL base in Tibnin. This blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty was condemned by the Lebanese Army, which issued a strong statement against Israeli actions. The Lebanese Army reiterated that Israel’s repeated breaches of the ceasefire agreement not only endanger the lives of Lebanese citizens but also destroy the villages and towns of southern Lebanon.
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Mikati’s Firm Stance Against Israeli Violations
Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office responded firmly to Israel’s continued presence in southern Lebanon, rejecting reports that Israel had told Lebanon through mediators that it would remain in the region beyond the agreed-upon 60-day withdrawal deadline. Mikati emphasized the urgency of pressuring Israel to adhere to the ceasefire terms and withdraw from Lebanese territories. The Lebanese government’s firm stance has been communicated to international actors, including the United States and France, who serve as sponsors of the ceasefire agreement.
Mikati’s office also highlighted that during a recent diplomatic meeting, Lebanon’s position was made clear: Israel must end its violations, withdraw from territories like Qantara, Adchit, Al-Qusayr, and Wadi al-Hujayr, and respect the ceasefire terms. The Lebanese government is taking every diplomatic and military measure to ensure that Israel adheres to the agreement and respects Lebanon’s sovereignty.
International Concerns and Israeli Obstruction
International actors, including the United Nations, have expressed their concerns over Israel’s repeated violations. The UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon (UNIFIL) has called on both parties to utilize the newly-established Mechanism to address any outstanding issues. UNIFIL has highlighted Israel’s continued destruction of residential areas, agricultural land, and road networks in southern Lebanon, which directly contravenes UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Despite these calls, Israel has shown no intention of ceasing its actions, continuing to construct military infrastructure in areas it illegally occupies and preventing residents from returning to their homes.
Israel’s continued violations are compounded by its military claims against Hezbollah. The Israeli military has argued that Hezbollah is using southern Lebanon as a base for smuggling weapons from Syria, specifically from the Janta crossing on the Syrian-Lebanese border. This unprovoked justification has led to additional airstrikes, further destabilizing an already fragile region and adding to the civilian death toll. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the toll from Israeli airstrikes since the ceasefire began stands at 27 dead and 26 injured. This is an unacceptable price for a nation that has already endured over 4,000 deaths and 16,000 injuries from Israel’s onslaught in recent months.
Lebanon’s Resilience and International Inaction
Despite Israel’s blatant violations, Lebanon remains steadfast in its resistance. Hezbollah continues to hold its ground, ensuring that Israel does not proceed unchecked. However, Lebanon’s resilience faces significant challenges, not least of which is the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable. UNIFIL has called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese Army to take full control of the region. Yet, Israel’s obstructionist tactics, combined with the international community’s reluctance to take meaningful action, leave Lebanon in a precarious situation.
As Lebanon prepares for a presidential election on January 9, political stability in the country remains uncertain, exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli violations and a lack of international intervention. The Lebanese Army, along with Hezbollah, remains the last line of defense for the people of southern Lebanon, yet the prospects for peace grow slimmer by the day.
Holding Israel Accountable
For Lebanon, the only path forward is one where Israel is held accountable for its repeated breaches of the ceasefire agreement. The international community, particularly the United States and France, must take a stronger stance and pressure Israel to abide by its commitments. Until Israel is forced to respect Lebanese sovereignty, Lebanon’s struggle for peace and security will continue to face insurmountable obstacles.
Israel’s actions are a clear violation of international law, and Lebanon’s right to resist occupation and aggression must be recognized. The Lebanese people, led by Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army, will continue to fight for their sovereignty and security, even as the world watches, often with indifference.