After numerous attempts by world leaders to get a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, it finally took place on November 27th after a series of brutal Israeli air strikes. The attack happened near downtown Beirut, killing and injuring dozens; however, mere hours later, Israeli executives agreed to the temporary standstill.
Officials have said that this allows time for both sides to rest. In fact, Netanyahu has said that he plans to “focus on Iran, replenish depleted arms supplies, give the army a rest, and finally isolate Hamas” . Meanwhile, President Biden has said that the ceasefire is meant to be permanent, encouraging thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens to return to their homes. On the other hand, both Hezbollah and Israel have warned citizens from doing so, and many others describe the peace as fragile. In fact, both sides already claim that there has been numerous infractions by the other.
The deal was meant to last 60 days in which Hezbollah troops had to move 25 miles from the border between Israel and Lebanon. During the same time, Israeli troops had to leave Lebanese land. Furthermore, Lebanon has also agreed to keep a closer watch over Hezbollah’s activities below the Litani River along with the aid of UN forces. The basis for this agreement was the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 that was previously used to conclude the Israel-Hezbollah war of 2006. The resolution had stated that the only forces that should be on Lebanese territory below the Litani River are the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping forces.
Nevertheless, the temporary peace did not seem to last long as on November 28th Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in southern Lebanon, targeting a rocket storage building that Israel said broke the ceasefire conditions. Israel’s defense forces have later said that “several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire.” Lebanon had no casualties but suffered two injuries due to the attack. On the other hand, the ceasefire still maintained its hold as Lebanese troops were seen moving to southern Lebanon to supervise Hezbollah. Lebanon has also criticized Israel for several other infractions during the ceasefire in which Israel had attacked and patrolled Lebanon.
While the ceasefire is a momentous, noteworthy occasion, the peace many had hoped would become permanent is already proving itself brittle.