Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to escalate military operations against Hezbollah if the ceasefire fails, holding Lebanon accountable for militant actions. Despite the truce, hostilities continue, prompting Lebanon to seek intervention from the U.S. and France. International monitoring of the ceasefire is expected to begin soon, as both countries continue to face challenges in maintaining peace.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning on Tuesday, asserting that Israel would intensify its military actions in Lebanon should its current ceasefire with Hezbollah dissolve. Katz stated that any resurgence of conflict would not discriminate between Hezbollah and the Lebanese state, emphasizing that the Lebanese government would be held accountable for failing to disarm militants. Meanwhile, Israel continued its military operations in southern Lebanon, asserting its right to respond to violations of the ceasefire agreement established last week. While the ceasefire is in place, tensions remain high as violations persist from both sides. Lebanon’s government, under increasing pressure, has appealed to the United States and France to advocate for adherence to the ceasefire against Israeli aggression. In addition, international monitors are yet to enforce the ceasefire, leading to further concerns over regional stability.
The backdrop of this situation is the recent truce in a protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which had lasted for fourteen months. This fragile ceasefire, effective since November 27, 2023, mandates Israel to cease offensive operations in Lebanon while calling on the Lebanese government to prevent armed groups from launching attacks into Israel. The situation remains precarious as both parties continue to engage in military operations, resulting in fatalities on both sides, thereby raising fears of a renewed conflict, which could destabilize the region further.
The Israeli government’s strong stance against potential ceasefire violations underscores the delicate balance between military action and diplomatic negotiations in the region. As both Lebanon and Israel navigate this tense situation, the involvement of international monitors plays a crucial role in upholding the truce. However, the persistent violations and retaliatory strikes highlight the ongoing volatility and fragility of peace efforts in this long-standing conflict.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
