Continued strikes on Lebanon have led to concerns. As per the reports of the BBC and CNN, the Israel Defense Forces have been carrying out strikes in several areas in Lebanon for months. Israeli strikes in Southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, a non-state armed group and political party in Lebanon, have led to the deaths of several hundred Lebanese. The latest strikes in the towns of Mjadel, Baraachit, Jbaa and Mahrouna were carried out less than a day after Israel and Lebanon held their first direct talks in decades at the headquarters of the UN peacekeeping mission. But whether and how much there will be a peaceful situation in Southern Lebanon remains uncertain.
But Israeli strikes in Lebanon are not new. Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese group, have been carrying out strikes for a long time targeting each other, driven by a complex mix of ideological, historical and regional reasons. But strikes intensified with the most recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah beginning in October 2023 in parallel with the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The escalation disproportionately resulted in massive strikes by the parties last year. But a US and France brokered Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement was reached by the parties in 2024. But since then, strikes have frequently been carried out by Israel. The latest airstrike, carried out targeting weapons warehouses belonging to Hezbollah, is not the last. Further strikes are also likely.
The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal, which has been in effect since November 27, 2024, following 13 months of conflict, ended major military operations between Israel and Hezbollah. The deal aims to be a “permanent cessation of hostilities” and offers a 60-day period during which Israel will gradually withdraw its troops from Lebanon’s south as the Lebanese Armed Forces regain control of an area currently held by Hezbollah. But a permanent resolution and the implementation of its terms have remained challenging. It is not fully implemented and violations have been continuing by both parties including Israel, leading to frequent air strikes in South Lebanon.
Though Israel often says it targets Hezbollah, civilians are often killed by Israeli strikes. The implementation of the 2024 peace agreement can end Israeli strikes and the deaths of civilians. But several reasons play a role in continued strikes and killings and may hinder the implementation of the deal, to which the parties expressed reiterated willingness. Several difficult-to-realize conditions including Hezbollah’s disarmament and limited efforts to ensure the ceasefire implementation by the mediators especially the United States and France and the lack of willingness of the parties are vital reasons. While Hezbollah is said to have extensive infrastructure and continues efforts to rearm in southern Lebanon, Israel continues to violate the deal.
The lack of withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon, Hezbollah’s unwillingness to disarm and a lack of trust play some roles in hindering the implementation of the ceasefire. Under the deal, Israel was required to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 2025 but it has only partially pulled back, maintaining five border posts. There is also a lack of cooperation from the Tripartite Mechanism involving the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the Israeli military and the Lebanese army that was established to help reach agreements on contentious issues.
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon need to end to bring peace. The implementation of the 2024 ceasefire deal will be helpful. The release of Lebanese detainees and abductees held by Israel, addressing Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts in South Lebanon and Israel’s full withdrawal from the territory are also crucial. But measures are needed to generate cooperation from the parties. Holding talks among the parties including Israel and Lebanon can be helpful in addressing difficulties and challenges.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
