Hezbollah and the Lebanese army are working together to uphold a recently brokered ceasefire with Israel. The truce, described by Hezbollah’s leader as a significant victory, remains fragile on its third day. Despite ongoing tensions, both parties aim to implement the agreement, which marks the end of over a year of conflict.
Coordination with the Lebanese Army
In his first public address since the ceasefire took effect, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem confirmed full cooperation with the Lebanese army. He expressed confidence in their partnership, emphasizing that no disagreements would arise. Under the truce terms, the Lebanese army will deploy to southern Lebanon within 60 days, while Hezbollah and Israeli forces gradually withdraw. Qassem stated that Hezbollah will assist in strengthening Lebanon’s defense, ensuring Israel does not exploit any weaknesses.
“The coordination between the resistance and the army will be at a high level to implement the agreement,” Qassem said, reaffirming Hezbollah’s readiness to safeguard the country.
Tensions Along the Border
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. The Israeli military has imposed restrictions on civilians returning to villages near the border. On Friday, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians attempting to bury a body in Khiam. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, alleging violations of the truce.
Both Hezbollah and the Lebanese army have accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire with these attacks. On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike north of the Litani River further strained the fragile peace.
A Declared Victory
Qassem hailed the ceasefire as a “divine victory,” comparing it to Hezbollah’s success in the 2006 conflict with Israel. He asserted that Israel’s military suffered significant losses while failing to achieve its objectives. Despite the heavy toll on civilians and fighters, Hezbollah claims to have emerged stronger.
“To those betting on Hezbollah’s weakness, their bets have failed,” Qassem declared. He also reaffirmed Hezbollah’s continued support for Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel’s assault has persisted for over a year.
Israeli Military Claims
Israel remains defiant, issuing warnings to evacuate border areas. Al Jazeera’s fact-checking agency reports these warnings extend to 20 previously untouched villages. The Israeli military claims to have conducted over 12,500 strikes on Hezbollah targets since October 2023. According to their reports, these include 1,600 command centers, 1,000 weapons depots, and multiple high-level Hezbollah officials.
Read: Israeli Military Continues Attacks on Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
The conflict began in October 2023, with Israel launching a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Israeli forces conducted over 100 special operations involving 14 military brigades. Israel claims to have killed 2,500 Hezbollah members, while Lebanese health authorities report 3,961 deaths and over 16,500 injuries since the conflict’s onset.
International Monitoring
American and French officials arrived in Beirut on Friday to assist in monitoring the ceasefire’s implementation. They held meetings with Lebanese army representatives to ensure the agreement is upheld. Despite the ongoing violence, both sides continue their cautious steps toward peace, hoping the ceasefire will bring stability to the region after months of devastation.
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