Lebanon: Israeli warnings and possible return of residents

Lebanon: Israeli warnings and possible return of residents
November 26, 2024, 12:17 pm

الحرب في لبنان

At a time when Israeli airstrikes continue in various areas of the southern suburbs of Beirut, and before a potential approval from the Israeli government for a ceasefire in Lebanon, an Israeli official confirmed that this agreement would ensure Israel's freedom of movement within Lebanese territory in the event of any violation.

David Mincer, the spokesperson for the Israeli government, clarified that "the agreement will maintain Israel's ability to defend itself against the threat of Hezbollah," according to his statement. He also indicated that "this agreement will allow northern residents to return to their homes safely," as reported by Reuters.

For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued warnings and threats, emphasizing that Tel Aviv "will never tolerate any potential violation of the ceasefire." He noted that "any attempt to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah will be thwarted," reflecting his country's insistence on freedom of movement in southern Lebanon following the ratification of the agreement mediated by the United States.

In related remarks, Katz threatened, stating: "We will demolish any house used as a base for Hezbollah's operations or for storing its weapons," according to Agence France-Presse.

These warnings came after a series of violent airstrikes targeting four sites in the southern suburbs of Beirut, in addition to shelling several towns in the south and demolishing homes in the al-Qouzah area.

These events followed Joseph Borrell's, the European Union's foreign policy chief, confirmation that the proposed agreement includes all necessary security guarantees for Israel.

In a related context, Elias Bou Saab, the Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, stated on Monday that "there are no longer any serious obstacles to the implementation of the agreement proposed by the United States to end the war, unless Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu changes his mind."

Bou Saab added that one of the points of contention was related to the monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire, but this was later resolved through the approval of a committee composed of five countries, including France, chaired by the United States. He explained that the proposal stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south and the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border within 60 days.

Since last September, Israel has witnessed a significant escalation in its attacks on various Lebanese areas, particularly the southern suburbs, the south, and the Bekaa Valley, targeting hundreds of Hezbollah sites, while its forces have also infiltrated several border areas in the south, leading to clashes with party members.

Meanwhile, the United States, through its envoy Amos Hochstein, has sought for several months to calm the situation and establish a truce between the two parties.

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