MiddleIs Lebanon’s Ceasefire on the Brink of Collapse? Israeli Strikes and Hezbollah’s Mortar Attack Escalate Tensions
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which had brought some respite after 14 months of conflict, is under significant strain following deadly Israeli airstrikes and a retaliatory mortar attack by Hezbollah. On Monday night, Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least ten people, marking the most intense wave of attacks since the ceasefire was brokered. This escalation comes just days after both parties had agreed to end hostilities, raising fears of the ceasefire’s imminent collapse.
The strikes targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, with Israel claiming they hit militant infrastructure and launchers. Israeli officials assert that Hezbollah’s mortar fire earlier in the day — directed at an Israeli military base — was a violation of the ceasefire. While no casualties were reported from the mortar attack, the violence has renewed tensions and threatens to undermine the fragile peace that had been established just a week ago. Hezbollah, on the other hand, called its actions a “defensive response,” warning of the dangers of repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
As of now, the ceasefire, negotiated with the help of the United States and France, remains largely intact, though its stability is in question. The agreement, which stipulates a 60-day window for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River, has seen both sides breach its terms. The Lebanese government has accused Israel of violating airspace and targeting civilian areas, while Hezbollah’s presence south of the Litani River is seen as a major infraction of the deal by Israeli authorities. Both sides are now under the scrutiny of an international monitoring committee, and reports of further violations could escalate into full-scale hostilities.
The airstrikes themselves have already claimed civilian lives in southern Lebanon, with several towns, including Haris and Tallousseh, reporting casualties. The local health ministry confirmed that the strikes resulted in both fatalities and injuries, adding to the civilian toll of the conflict. In addition to the airstrikes, the Israeli military has claimed that it took action to neutralize Hezbollah’s mortar positions, including one that targeted the disputed Mount Dov area. Hezbollah, however, has steadfastly argued that these actions are retaliatory and aimed at signaling its displeasure over Israel’s breaches.
Political figures across Lebanon have been quick to condemn Israeli actions, with Nabih Berri, the Lebanese Parliamentary Speaker, calling the airstrikes a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire terms. His comments underscore the deep frustration within Lebanon’s government, which had hoped that the ceasefire would bring much-needed relief after months of violence. In parallel, the United States has expressed concerns about the violations, urging all parties to respect the agreement and avoid further escalation. Despite the growing tensions, U.S. officials have insisted that the ceasefire is largely holding and that the situation, though fragile, is manageable.
The future of the ceasefire remains uncertain, as both sides appear unwilling to back down. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will continue to respond to any violations by Hezbollah, no matter how minor. Similarly, Hezbollah has shown no signs of de-escalating its operations, framing its actions as defensive and justified. With both sides locked in a cycle of retaliation and accusations, the ceasefire’s ability to hold will depend largely on the role of international mediators and the commitment of both Lebanon and Israel to maintaining peace. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire can survive or if the region will once again plunge into conflict.
