Escalation in Lebanon: Israel Warns of Military Action Amid Ceasefire Violations

Israel has declared it will enforce a ceasefire throughout Lebanon following rocket fire that prompted airstrikes on Beirut for the first time since a truce with Hezbollah. Lebanese leaders have condemned the violence, while Israel maintains ongoing military operations targeting Hezbollah. The United Nations has called for restraint to avoid a broader conflict.

On Friday, Israel announced its intention to enforce a ceasefire in Lebanon following recent rocket fire that prompted aerial strikes on Beirut. This marked the first bombardment of the capital city since a fragile truce began four months ago. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam characterized the attack on southern Beirut as a “dangerous escalation,” and French President Emmanuel Macron deemed it an “unacceptable” breach of the ceasefire agreement.

Although the Lebanese health ministry reported no casualties from the attack in Beirut, five fatalities were recorded from Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. This incident marks the second occurrence of rockets being launched toward Israel from Lebanon since the beginning of the November ceasefire, a situation which Hezbollah has denied involvement in.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted, “The equation has changed” and indicated that the nation would take necessary measures to enforce the ceasefire. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz further stated there would be no peace in Beirut if stability was lacking in northern Israel. This underlines the ongoing tensions and military actions in the region that challenge the ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli military targeted a site believed to be utilized by Hezbollah’s Aerial Unit to store unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Dahieh area, a known Hezbollah stronghold. In response to the attacks, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun indicated the need for an investigation but noted that evidence suggests Hezbollah was not responsible for the recent rocket fire.

Reports from the area indicate widespread panic following Israel’s warning, with many fleeing as heavy traffic jammed roads. One individual expressed concern, stating, “We are very afraid the war will return.” While the Israeli military reported two projectiles fired toward its territory, it confirmed intercepting one of them, with the other landing in Lebanon.

In light of these developments, Lebanese Prime Minister Salam has tasked the army with investigating the source of the reckless rocket launchers threatening national stability. Communications have also been initiated with foreign officials, including U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus, to address the situation comprehensively.

Amid these tensions, UN Special Envoy for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has expressed deep concern about the rising violence, urging restraint among all parties and emphasizing that the escalation of conflict must be avoided. French President Macron plans to address the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, declaring that there is no justification for the military strikes occurring recently.

The recent escalation in Lebanon highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with military actions and cross-border tensions creating a volatile environment. Key figures, such as Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz, underscore Israel’s commitment to enforce security. Meanwhile, concerns from Lebanese officials and the UN reflect a broader apprehension about a potential return to widespread violence, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue and restraint among involved parties.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com