Israel has threatened to escalate its actions in Lebanon if the fragile truce with Hezbollah collapses. On Tuesday, Israeli officials said any future conflict would involve targeting the Lebanese state itself, following the deadliest day since the ceasefire began last week.
In its strongest warning since ending the 14-month war with Hezbollah, Israel blamed Lebanon for failing to disarm militants who continue violating the truce. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “If we return to war, we will act strongly, go deeper, and the Lebanese state will no longer be exempt.”
Katz emphasized that Israel would no longer differentiate between Lebanon and Hezbollah, saying, “If until now we separated the state of Lebanon from Hezbollah, it will no longer be the case.”
Ongoing Strikes and Violations
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has carried out strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah fighters accused of ignoring the agreement to halt attacks and retreat beyond the Litani River, located about 30 km from the border. On Monday, Hezbollah shelled an Israeli military post, prompting Israeli airstrikes that Lebanese officials say killed at least 12 people.
Katz called Hezbollah’s actions “the first test” of the truce, describing Israel’s response as firm and necessary. He urged the Beirut government to empower the Lebanese army to enforce the agreement by dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure and ensuring militants stay beyond the Litani River.
“If they don’t act and the agreement collapses, the consequences will be clear,” Katz warned.
Diplomatic Appeals and International Monitoring
Lebanese leaders have reached out to Washington and Paris to pressure Israel into adhering to the ceasefire. Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a close Hezbollah ally, discussed the situation with officials from the White House and French presidency on Monday night.
Mikati stated that diplomatic talks have intensified to address what Lebanon considers Israeli violations, with at least 54 breaches recorded since the truce began.
US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller acknowledged that the ceasefire “is holding” but admitted that some violations were anticipated. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also urged both sides to respect the agreement in a conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar.
Truce Details and Monitoring Efforts
The ceasefire, which started on November 27, prohibits Israel from offensive actions in Lebanon while requiring Lebanon to stop armed groups, including Hezbollah, from attacking Israel. Israeli forces are also required to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, enforcement has been challenging.
An international monitoring mission, led by the United States, has been set up to oversee the truce. Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri called on the mission to act urgently, noting Israel’s continued breaches. On Monday, Mikati met with US General Jasper Jeffers, the mission’s chair, to discuss the situation.
The mission’s French representative, General Guillaume Ponchin, is expected to arrive in Beirut on Wednesday, with the first committee meeting planned for Thursday. A source familiar with the situation stated, “Finalizing the mechanism is urgent, or it may be too late.”
As tensions rise, the success of the ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides under pressure to uphold the fragile agreement.
