Signs of instability are emerging in the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, has retaliated against what it claims are Israeli violations of the ceasefire for the first time since the fragile truce was established last week, as stated by the militant group on Monday. Shortly thereafter, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported conducting airstrikes targeting numerous missile launchers and infrastructure within Lebanon.

Since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect last Wednesday, Israel has reportedly carried out daily assaults on Lebanese territory.

In response to these attacks, Hezbollah executed a “preliminary defensive response,” aiming at an Israeli-controlled location in the Golan Heights, according to a statement referenced by the Beirut-based television channel Al Mayadeen on Monday.

The IDF indicated that the Lebanese group fired two mortar shells towards Har Dov, which is recognized under international law as Syrian territory currently occupied by Israel.

Additionally, the IDF confirmed it had targeted “dozens of launchers and terrorist infrastructure across Lebanon,” including the site from which Hezbollah launched its attack, as detailed in a statement released on Monday night.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar asserted that the Israeli operations are intended to uphold the ceasefire rather than breach it. “Israel is not violating the ceasefire understandings but rather enforcing them in response to Hezbollah’s violations,” Sa’ar stated on X on Monday.

According to CNN, citing an anonymous source within the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Israel has reportedly violated the ceasefire “approximately 100” times since its implementation.

U.S. officials have voiced concerns regarding the ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanese soil, as reported by Axios, with one official warning that the situation could lead to a breakdown of the temporary peace.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel intensified in October 2023, as the militant organization commenced intermittent shelling of Israeli regions, expressing support for the Palestinians in Gaza.

In early October, Israel initiated a “limited ground operation” in southern Lebanon and escalated its airstrikes on Beirut and other urban areas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated several senior members of Hezbollah’s leadership during these operations, including the group’s long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

According to the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is required to withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days, transferring control of the occupied areas to the Lebanese army, while an international committee will oversee the resolution of any complaints regarding violations.