Israel continues Lebanon operations despite renewed ceasefire agreement

Israel Continues Lebanon Operations Despite Renewed Ceasefire Agreement

Israel will continue its military operations in southern Lebanon for the time being, despite agreeing with Lebanon to renew a ceasefire arrangement. This announcement was made by Defense Minister Israel Katz just hours after the US-mediated agreement was announced. He also stated that Lebanese residents who had been displaced from their homes by Israeli attacks would not be able to return for now. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions in the region despite diplomatic efforts to achieve de-escalation.

The ceasefire agreement was reached on Wednesday following US-led talks in Washington between Israel and Lebanon. Since both countries do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, the United States played a central mediating role. However, the agreement comes with strict conditions: it depends on a "complete cessation" of all attacks by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant organization operating in southern Lebanon. The conditional nature of this arrangement immediately raised questions about its viability and long-term prospects.

A central component of the agreement is the creation of so-called "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. In these areas, Lebanese armed forces are supposed to take exclusive control and exclude all non-state actors. This provision aims to limit Hezbollah's influence in the border region and strengthen the Lebanese government's authority. However, the practical implementation of these zones remains a complex challenge, as Hezbollah has been firmly entrenched in these areas for years and commands significant local support and military capabilities.

Despite the official ceasefire agreement, cross-border attacks continued on the very first day. Just hours after the deal was announced, air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel after a "suspicious aerial target" was identified. Although no casualties were reported, the incident demonstrates the fragility of the arrangement. Simultaneously, Lebanese media reported Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday morning, underscoring the continued military activities by both sides and raising immediate questions about compliance.

Defense Minister Katz emphasized that Israel has "freedom of action, backed by the United States, to strike in Beirut in response to attacks on Israeli communities and territory." This statement makes clear that Israel does not intend to restrict its military options despite the ceasefire agreement. US support for this position was underlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described Hezbollah as "an enemy of Lebanon," thereby clarifying the American stance in the conflict and suggesting continued backing for Israeli operations.

The humanitarian impact of the conflict has been substantial. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, 3,516 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March. This figure illustrates the scale of violence that has befallen the region in recent months. Casualties have also been recorded on the Israeli side, though specific numbers are not detailed in available reports. The human cost continues to mount as military operations persist despite diplomatic efforts.

The current conflict is part of broader regional tensions that have intensified since the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah, as an ally of both Hamas and Iran, has justified its attacks on Israel as an act of solidarity with Palestinians. This connection makes an isolated solution to the Israeli-Lebanese conflict difficult, as it is embedded in the larger geopolitical context of the region. The involvement of Iran adds another layer of complexity, as Tehran uses proxy groups like Hezbollah to project power and influence across the Middle East.

The effectiveness of the renewed ceasefire remains highly questionable. Previous ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hezbollah have often proven short-lived, with both sides claiming violations by the other. Current developments, where attacks were reported on the very first day after the agreement, raise serious doubts about the sustainability of the deal. The condition that Hezbollah must cease all attacks while Israel reserves the right to continue its operations creates an imbalance that could jeopardize the stability of the arrangement.

The joint statement released after the Washington talks described the ceasefire as "progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement." However, the immediate continuation of military activities suggests that such comprehensive peace remains distant. The agreement appears to be more of a tactical pause than a strategic breakthrough, with both sides maintaining their military postures and readiness for renewed conflict.

The international community is watching developments with concern, as an escalation of the conflict could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region. The role of the United States as mediator will be critical in persuading both sides to comply with the agreement. However, the US backing for Israel's continued "freedom of action" may complicate its role as an impartial mediator and could undermine the ceasefire's credibility in Lebanese and broader Arab eyes.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether Lebanese armed forces will be able to effectively control the designated pilot zones and displace Hezbollah from these areas. The Lebanese military has historically been weaker than Hezbollah and has often avoided direct confrontation with the group. Success in implementing these zones will be crucial for the long-term viability of any ceasefire arrangement and could determine whether this agreement becomes a stepping stone to broader peace or simply another failed attempt at conflict resolution in this volatile region.