Israel announced on Thursday that it had carried out an airstrike targeting a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in southern Lebanon, marking the first such action since a ceasefire in the Lebanon conflict came into effect.
Ceasefire Agreement
The truce, which began on Wednesday, aims to end a devastating conflict that has killed thousands in Lebanon and displaced large numbers on both sides of the border. The war erupted after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Hamas following the latter’s unprecedented assault on 7 October.
Israel shifted its military focus to Lebanon in September, launching significant operations to neutralise Hezbollah threats along its northern border.
Airstrike Details
According to the Israeli military, the facility was used to store mid-range rockets, and the threat was “thwarted” by the air force. Local reports from Nazih Eid, the mayor of Baysariyeh in southern Lebanon, confirmed the strike but stated it hit a forested area inaccessible to civilians.
Ceasefire Terms and Deployment
Under the ceasefire brokered by the United States and France, Lebanese forces have begun deploying in the south, a region historically dominated by Hezbollah. As per the agreement, Israeli troops will maintain their positions during a 60-day transitional period, allowing Lebanese security forces to establish control.
However, tensions persist, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire. Earlier on Thursday, Israeli forces reported “several suspects” breaching ceasefire conditions in southern Lebanon, prompting them to open fire.
Destruction and Recovery
The war has left large swathes of southern Lebanon devastated. Many displaced residents have returned to find their homes in ruins. In villages like Qlayaa, Lebanese soldiers were welcomed with celebrations, as residents expressed their desire for the army to maintain control over the region.
Broader Context
The conflict exacerbates Lebanon’s existing political and economic turmoil. The Lebanese parliament is set to convene in January to elect a president after a two-year vacuum, offering a glimmer of hope for political stability.
Hezbollah, heavily backed by Iran, claims victory in the conflict but faces significant losses, including the killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah in September. Despite the ceasefire, the group has vowed to remain vigilant against Israeli actions, raising concerns over the fragility of the truce.
In northern Israel, residents expressed scepticism about the ceasefire’s durability, with many feeling uneasy about the conflict’s unresolved issues.
Casualty Figures
Since October 2023, Lebanon has reported 3,961 fatalities, with the majority occurring in recent weeks. Israel has reported 82 military and 47 civilian deaths during hostilities with Hezbollah.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for potential escalations despite the truce.