Israel has announced that the ceasefire with Hezbollah was violated shortly after Lebanese security sources reported that Israeli tanks targeted six areas in southern Lebanon, raising doubts about a truce that had been established following over a year of conflict.
A ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah was implemented yesterday following a deal facilitated by the US and France, aimed at enabling residents of both nations to return to their homes in border regions affected by 14 months of warfare.
The Israeli military stated that the ceasefire was breached after what it described as suspects, some traveling in vehicles, arrived in several locations within the southern zone.
Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of attacking individuals who were returning to their villages in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese troops operate a checkpoint in the Marjayoun area of southern Lebanon.
This morning, Israeli tank fire impacted six locations within that border area, hitting Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe, and the agricultural zones surrounding Marjayoun, according to reports from state media and Lebanese security sources.
All affected areas are situated within two kilometers of the Blue Line, which marks the boundary between Lebanon and Israel.
A security source reported that two individuals were injured in Markaba.
Lebanese families displaced from their homes near the southern border have attempted to return to assess their properties.
However, Israeli troops continue to maintain a presence within Lebanese territory in border towns, and reporters from Reuters noted the presence of surveillance drones flying over parts of southern Lebanon.
No immediate response regarding the tank fire was received from Iran-backed Hezbollah or Israel, who have been engaged in conflict for over a year alongside the situation in Gaza.
The agreement, a notable diplomatic achievement in a region fraught with conflict, concluded the most intense confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah in recent years.
Nevertheless, Israel remains engaged in hostilities with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
According to the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces have up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, though neither side is permitted to initiate offensive operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated he had directed the military to prevent residents from returning to villages near the border.
Lebanon’s parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who was the primary negotiator for Lebanon in the agreement, stated that residents could return to their homes.
Hezbollah asserted that its fighters “are fully prepared to address the ambitions and actions of the Israeli enemy.” They also stated that their forces will oversee Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon “with readiness to act.”
The group has suffered setbacks due to casualties and the loss of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders at the hands of Israel.
Individuals who fled Lebanon to seek refuge in Syria are now returning through the Al-Qaa-Jousieh border crossing in the northeast.
Lebanon is set to elect a new president
Lebanon’s parliament is scheduled to convene on 9 January to select a new president, aiming to resolve over two years of lacking a head of state, as reported by official media following the ceasefire.
“Speaker Nabih Berri has called for a parliamentary session on 9 January to elect a president of the republic,” the official National News Agency reported.
Since Michel Aoun’s presidential term ended in October 2022, Lebanon has been without a president, with neither of the main alliances—Hezbollah backed by Iran and its adversaries—holding the necessary majority to elect one or achieving consensus.
After the ceasefire with Hezbollah was established, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hope that this might signify “a new chapter for Lebanon” and that the upcoming days would result in the election of a president.
Mr. Berri, who facilitated ceasefire discussions on behalf of Hezbollah, also urged the nation to “swiftly elect a president.”
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem mentioned in a speech earlier this month that following the conflict, Hezbollah would “play an active role in the presidential election.”
Traditionally, the presidency is designated for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister’s role is reserved for a Sunni Muslim, and the position of parliament speaker is allocated to a Shiite Muslim.
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