A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon took effect recently, but tensions remain high as Israel refused to withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon, contrary to the terms established in the agreement. The ceasefire, struck in November with Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, was designed to reduce hostilities in the region. However, Israel's decision to maintain its military presence poses immediate political challenges for Beirut's new government and the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision to continue occupying southern Lebanon and certain areas of Syria just two days before the January 25 deadline. This move, backed by the United States, aims to secure Israel's borders amidst ongoing regional instability. According to Israel's ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, persuading the Trump administration to support this position has presented significant challenges.
The ceasefire agreement stipulated that the Lebanese state should deploy its troops in areas previously dominated by Hezbollah in the south. Concurrently, Hezbollah was required to reposition its forces northward to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. Despite these provisions, Netanyahu stated that the Lebanese state has not yet fully enforced the agreement.
Kristian Ulrichsen, a Middle East fellow at Rice University's Institute for Public Policy, provided insights into the situation, highlighting the potential risks associated with Israel's continued occupation. Analysts caution that such actions could destabilize the new non-hostile governments in Lebanon and Syria, potentially fueling threats against Israel. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has created a climate of uncertainty which Israel is attempting to address through its military presence.
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