The military of Israel has announced that it engaged “suspects” in southern Lebanon who were reportedly infringing upon its ceasefire with Hezbollah.
According to state media and Lebanese security sources, Israeli tank shelling struck six locations within a two-kilometer radius of a defined border strip between Lebanon and Israel.
This action follows a 60-day cessation of hostilities that began between Israel and the Iran-affiliated militant organization Hezbollah on Wednesday morning.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) released a statement saying: “In the past hour, several suspects were spotted arriving in vehicles at various locations in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire terms. The IDF directed fire towards them.”
“The IDF remains active in southern Lebanon and will vigilantly address any breach of the ceasefire agreement.”
Additionally, Israel had implemented a last-minute curfew on Wednesday evening, prohibiting any Lebanese citizens from entering the southern region of the country.
Israel’s Arab spokesperson warned that movement south of the Litani River in Lebanon was “absolutely forbidden” from 5 pm [7 pm UK time] on Wednesday until 7 am today [5 am UK time].
“Anyone situated north of the Litani River is barred from proceeding south. Those to the south of the Litani River must remain where they are,” the statement further clarified.
The ceasefire agreement, released by Lebanon’s cabinet, delineated an area marked by a red line labeled “New 2024 line” extending east-west across the nation.
A map of Lebanon depicting the Litani and Awali rivers.
This designated area – primarily along the Litani River before slightly veering north and encompassing the southern region of the country – must remain free of Hezbollah armaments according to the accord.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel is entitled to respond militarily if the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) deem that the conditions have been compromised, although Lebanese and Hezbollah representatives have reportedly disputed this notion.
On Wednesday, mere hours after the ceasefire took effect, Israel announced the apprehension of four Hezbollah militants near the Lebanese border with Israel for allegedly breaching the terms.
By Thursday morning, Israeli tank fire targeted Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe, and the agricultural fields surrounding Marjayoun, all located within two kilometers of the border demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel.
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Meanwhile, Hezbollah has pledged to persist in its resistance against Israel.
In its initial communication following the ceasefire, the Iranian-backed militant organization did not directly refer to the agreement and vowed to sustain its opposition.
Hezbollah declared that its fighters “remain fully equipped to confront the intentions and assaults of the Israeli adversary”.
It also indicated that its forces would observe Israel’s withdrawal “with their fingers on the trigger”.
The conflict along the Israeli-Lebanon frontier has resulted in over 3,760 fatalities – predominantly Lebanese – and has displaced more than one million individuals.
Israel stated that its military objective in Lebanon is to ensure the return of 60,000 Israelis who fled from communities in the northern part of the country.
Asor Gal’it, who returned to the Israeli border town of Metula, mentioned on Wednesday that she heard gunshots upon arriving home.
“We felt a bit anxious, but we have confidence in our military and are hopeful for the best outcome,” she remarked.
While the ceasefire has led to a halt in hostilities in Lebanon, combat continues in Gaza, where Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas.
