At dawn on Tuesday, Israeli warplanes raided a number of villages and towns in southern Lebanon, killing two people and wounding 9 others in an Israeli raid that targeted the village of Abba in the Nabatieh district.
Israeli warplanes also launched raids on the towns of Al-Qalila, Majdalzon, Al-Bazouriyah and the outskirts between Burj Al-Shamali and Al-Hush.
The Israeli aircraft raids included the towns of Shamaa and Tair Harfa, coinciding with Israeli artillery shelling targeting the Hamoul area in southern Lebanon. The city of Khiam was also subjected to a raid, and there was artillery shelling targeting the outskirts of Rashaya Al-Fakhar.
In a related context, the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said on Monday that the talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire with the Lebanese Hezbollah “will move forward.”
Danny Danon insisted that Israel would retain the ability to strike southern Lebanon in any agreement. The ambassador explained before the United Nations Security Council meeting that he expected the Israeli Cabinet to meet on Monday (yesterday) or Tuesday to discuss the issue of a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Danon’s statements came at a time when American and Israeli reports indicated that reaching a ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel was imminent, as Axios quoted a senior American official as saying that Israel and Lebanon had agreed on the terms of the ceasefire agreement to end the war. Between Israel and Hezbollah, while the two parties have not yet announced the agreement.
Israeli media also indicated that the political security cabinet in Israel will meet on Tuesday to discuss a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.
Elias Bou Saab, Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, confirmed that there are no serious obstacles preventing the implementation of the truce proposed by the United States between Hezbollah and Israel.
Bou Saab expressed his optimism about a ceasefire and said colloquially, “Al-Mizan is Tabish,” while CNN quoted an informed source that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed in principle to a ceasefire.
Bou Saab stated: “There is hope, but we cannot be certain about anything with Netanyahu, and what might put pressure on him is the field. The Israeli enemy escalates whenever he approaches a serious agreement to put pressure on the other team, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri does not back down in the face of this pressure, especially in Regarding Resolution 1701, he is keen to implement it.”
US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to announce a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.
The death toll from the continuous Israeli bombing of Lebanon since October 2023 has risen to 3,768 dead and 15,699 wounded.
Last updated: November 26, 2024 – 12:16
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How has the involvement of external powers like the United States influenced the Israel-Lebanon conflict?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle East Expert on Recent Developments in Israel-Lebanon Tensions
Editor: Welcome to our interview today. We have with us Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern affairs. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Mansour.
Dr. Al-Mansour: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time in the region, and I’m glad to discuss these developments.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Reports indicate that these airstrikes targeted multiple areas, including the town of Abba. What do you make of these attacks, and what could their implications be for regional stability?
Dr. Al-Mansour: The recent airstrikes are significant and demonstrate Israel’s ongoing military strategy to counter perceived threats from Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. By targeting specific villages and towns, Israel is sending a strong signal that it retains the capability and willingness to respond militarily. However, this could further escalate tensions in the region, potentially provoking stronger reprisals from Hezbollah, leading to a cycle of violence that could destabilize Southern Lebanon even more.
Editor: You mentioned Hezbollah, and there have been discussions about a potential ceasefire. The Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, expressed optimism about talks moving forward. Do you think there’s a genuine possibility for a ceasefire, or is this merely strategic posturing?
Dr. Al-Mansour: It’s a mixed bag. While there are reports indicating that both sides are considering terms for a ceasefire—thanks to mediating efforts from the U.S.—the underlying tensions remain high. Danon’s comments imply that Israel is willing to negotiate, but with the caveat that it must retain the power to strike if necessary. This stance suggests that while they are open to ceasefire discussions, they are also preparing for potential conflicts ahead, making the situation precarious.
Editor: What role do you think the international community, particularly the United States, plays in these negotiations? Are they an effective mediator?
Dr. Al-Mansour: The U.S. has historically played a crucial role in mediating conflicts in the region. Their involvement now, as seen in the reports from American officials, is essential for navigating a ceasefire agreement. However, the effectiveness of U.S. mediation often hinges on their ability to maintain a balanced approach that acknowledges the concerns of both Israel and Lebanon. If they manage to facilitate a genuine dialog, there’s hope for stability, but if perceived as biased, it could complicate the negotiations further.
Editor: There have also been reports of military preparations and meetings within Israel’s political security cabinet regarding the ceasefire. What does this indicate about Israel’s internal decision-making process during such critical times?
Dr. Al-Mansour: The convening of the political security cabinet is a pivotal aspect of Israel’s strategic planning. It indicates that the Israeli leadership is taking these developments seriously and is weighing the potential outcomes of both continuing military operations and pursuing diplomatic solutions. Their decision will likely hinge on intelligence assessments and public sentiment, reflecting a careful balance between national security and the desire to restore calm.
Editor: Given the current trajectory, what is your outlook for the situation in the coming weeks?
Dr. Al-Mansour: It’s challenging to predict, but if the ceasefire talks progress positively, there could be temporary relief from violence. However, without addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as territorial disputes and political grievances, the peace may be short-lived. The historical animosities in the region run deep, and unless there’s a broader dialog that includes not only military aspects but also humanitarian concerns, the risk of renewed conflict remains high.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansour, for your insights. It’s crucial for our audience to stay informed about these developments, and your expertise sheds light on the complex dynamics at play.
Dr. Al-Mansour: Thank you for having me. It’s a complex situation, and I hope for a peaceful resolution for both the Israeli and Lebanese people.
Editor: We appreciate your time and perspective. Let’s continue to watch this situation closely.