Israel has launched dozens of bombings in Lebanon this Monday, after promising a “strong response” to the hits claimed by Hezbollah against an Israeli military position, the movement’s frist attack since it came into force last week a fragile ceasefire.
Israel and the Lebanese Islamist movement Hezbollah accused each other during the day of violating the truce which came into force last Wednesday, after two months of war that caused thousands of deaths and forced thousands of people to abandon their homes on both sides of the border.
The Israeli military said in a statement that it had “struck Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of shuttles and terrorist infrastructure across Lebanon” and called for “stakeholders in Lebanon to fulfill their responsibilities and prevent antagonistic activity by hezbollah”.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least nine people died in Israeli shelling in the south of the country, in a preliminary toll, after the official NNA agency reported that the attacks where recorded in Jbaa, about 20 kilometers from the border, and two surrounding villages.
The Israeli army said on Monday it was “attacking terrorist targets in Lebanon”,after the Lebanese movement claimed responsibility for the first attack on an Israeli military position as the truce began on November 27 and the Jewish state vowed to respond.
Since the truce came into force, the fighting has largely stopped, with the exception of some bombings that Israel launched against positions it believed to constitute violations of the agreement. But Hezbollah had not announced any response.
The pro-Iranian Lebanese movement claimed responsibility this Monday for the shooting against an Israeli position on the “occupied hills of Kfar Shuba”, which Lebanon claims as part of its territory, located on the border with the Syrian plateau of the Golan Heights, annexed by Israel.
The attack was “an initial defensive response” to Israel’s “violations” of the truce, it said in a statement.
The Israeli military in turn said Hezbollah had fired “two projectiles” at Har Dov, the Hebrew name for an area known internationally as Sheba Farms.
The Israeli prime Minister,Benjamin Netanyahu promptly rejected these accusations and accused Hezbollah of “serious violation” of the truce and promised to respond “forcefully”.
Before Israel announced it was attacking targets in Lebanon, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, accused the Israeli state of violating the ceasefire agreement “on at least 54 occasions”.
Hezbollah is a movement that has a militia, but also has significant representation in the legislature. and is a leading player in Lebanese politics.
Berri also called on the committee tasked with overseeing the truce, made up of the United States and France, to “urgently begin its action and force Israel to end its violations and withdraw” from Lebanese territory.
The ceasefire agreement, promoted by the United States and France, ended two months of open warfare between Israel and Hezbollah.
What are the main factors contributing to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah?
Interview with dr. Maya Rami, Middle East Conflict Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rami. To begin, can you provide insight into the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah following the fragile ceasefire that was established just last week?
Dr. maya Rami (DMR): Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed complex. After two months of intense conflict that resulted in significant casualties and displacement on both sides,the recent attacks indicate that the ceasefire was precarious from the start. Israel’s retaliatory bombings in Lebanon—claimed to target Hezbollah infrastructure—are a clear message that they will respond to any aggression. This tit-for-tat kind of military engagement often undermines peace efforts.
TNE: The Lebanese Health Ministry has reported at least nine fatalities from the recent bombings.What does this mean for the already dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon?
DMR: Sadly, this loss of life exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Thousands have been displaced due to the earlier conflicts, and with emerging violence, there is a heightened risk of further destabilization. The UN and various NGOs are struggling to provide essential services for those in dire need. The civilian toll is always tragic and frequently enough overlooked in these military narratives.
TNE: Both sides have accused one another of violating the ceasefire. How does this mutual blame effect diplomatic resolutions, especially regarding the roles of the U.S. and france in mediating peace?
DMR: Mutual blame complicates diplomatic efforts considerably. When each party accuses the other of provocations,it creates an environment of distrust and animosity which can halt constructive negotiations.The U.S. and France, having brokered the ceasefire, will need to urgently re-engage—perhaps even revisiting how the ceasefire is monitored and enforced.Getting both Lebanon and Israel to the negotiating table will require significant diplomatic finesse.
TNE: Hezbollah described their recent attack as a “defensive response” to Israeli violations. How should the international community interpret this framing?
DMR: Hezbollah’s narrative as a “defensive response” serves multiple purposes—it justifies their military actions to their base while attempting to frame Israel as the aggressor on the international stage. Understanding these internal dynamics is crucial for the international community, as it illustrates the delicate balance of power and ideology that drives these conflicts. Without addressing the motivations and justifications of each side,any external intervention may be ineffective.
TNE: Given that Hezbollah has both a militia and political portrayal in Lebanon, what should we understand about their dual role when it comes to political negotiations and military actions?
DMR: Hezbollah operates uniquely within Lebanese society. As a political entity, they have to maintain the support of their constituents, which often means balancing their military actions with political negotiations. Their military operations can rally public support, but they must also consider the repercussions of continuous conflict, notably as many Lebanese citizens are weary of ongoing violence. This dual role makes Hezbollah a formidable,multi-faceted participant in this conflict.
TNE: based on the current trajectory, what practical advice do you have for civilians or organizations trying to navigate this troubled landscape?
DMR: Those on the ground should remain informed and prepared for escalations. Humanitarian organizations should bolster their emergency response strategies and engage in dialogue with local communities to better understand their needs. Civilians must prioritize safety and stay updated through reliable news sources. Advocacy for political solutions must also continue, as long-term peace will only come through dialogue and thorough negotiations addressing the root causes of these conflicts.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Rami, for sharing your insights. It’s clear how critical it is indeed for the international community to engage thoughtfully in this ongoing situation.
DMR: Thank you for the possibility to discuss these pressing issues. let’s hope for a more enduring peace in the region.