Israel and Hezbollah both claiming ceasefire violations on Day 2
CBSDec 07, 2024
An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire appeared to hold into its third day on Friday. While no new violations were reported overnight, Israel and Hezbollah traded blame for a number of incidents over the past two days.
The exchange of accusations highlighted the fragility of the 60-day agreement brokered by the US and France that went into effect on Wednesday morning.The 60-day agreement, brokered by the US and France, went into effect on Wednesday morning.
Under the terms of the deal, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from southern Lebanon within the 60-day transition period, while the Lebanese Army will deploy some 5K troops south of Litani River, including at 33 outposts on the border with Israel. Hezbollah, meanwhile, was banned from operating south of the river.Under the terms of the deal, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from southern Lebanon within the 60-day transition period, while the Lebanese Army will deploy some 5K troops south of the Litani River, including at 33 outposts on the border with Israel. Hezbollah, meanwhile, was banned from operating south of the river.
After a lot of achievements and hard work in Lebanon, Hezbollah was severely weakened and forced to accept this agreement that will keep its operatives from Israel's borders. Nonetheless, Israel remains on guard for any violations of the ceasefire agreement and will swiftly respond to them.
While this shaky peace deal may at least bring some respite from destruction and bloodshed in southern Lebanon, the reality is that Israel's military will now refocus its efforts on the Gaza war which it has fought concurrently. The Palestinians in Gaza, who are already facing a worse humanitarian crisis than the Lebanese, will now feel further devastation.