Hezbollah’s first attack on an Israeli military location since the ceasefire has raised alarms about regional peace stability. The attack casts doubt on the current ceasefire and regional stability. Will things collapse?
Ceasefire in Jeopardy
The Israeli military location near Safed was targeted in an attack claimed by Hezbollah. This marks the first such aggression since a ceasefire took effect in Lebanon. The attack creates uncertainty about the truce, which was put in place to stop the violent exchanges that have caused significant casualties and displacement on both sides.
Hezbollah targeted an Israeli position in Kfar Shouba, located on a disputed area on the Lebanon-Israel border. In response, the Israeli army reported that two projectiles were launched by Hezbollah towards Har Dov, also known as Shebaa Farms.
Over the past day, IDF troops operated in several locations in southern Lebanon to remove threats to the State of Israel that were in violation of the ceasefire agreement conditions.
IDF troops identified several armed terrorists adjacent to a church in southern Lebanon pic.twitter.com/KkM7RjQ1Kc
— Israel Institute of NZ (@IsraelInstNZ) December 2, 2024
Accusations of Ceasefire Breaches
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has reportedly conducted strikes against targets that it claims are violating the truce. Lebanon, on its part, has accused Israel of over 50 ceasefire violations, including airstrikes and airspace incursions. Israel insists its actions are in response to breaches by Hezbollah.
“He’s not a real friend to Israel.”, they said.
“He can’t be trusted.”, they said.
“He’ll throw israel under the bus.”, they said.
They say a lot of things.
He just posted this.
Can you all just give it a rest already and admit that as someone who cares about Israel,… pic.twitter.com/yz0SczR9un
— Hillel Fuld (@HilzFuld) December 2, 2024
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in September when Israel shifted its focus from Gaza to securing its northern border. Despite ongoing tensions, U.S. officials, including White House spokesman John Kirby, maintain that the ceasefire is largely holding.
The Role of International Monitors
A committee involving international stakeholders such as France, the United Nations, Israel, and Lebanon, and chaired by the United States, is tasked with monitoring ceasefire compliance. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire conditions, which include the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters and the dismantling of military infrastructure south of the Litani River.
Simultaneously, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are to be deployed in southern Lebanon as part of Israel’s withdrawal plan over 60 days.
The ceasefire aimed to resolve a year-long conflict linked to the broader regional tensions involving the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. However, lingering hostilities and continued military actions threaten the fragile peace framework. As the region grapples with these challenges, the road to enduring peace remains uncertain.