The Israeli army has been accused of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. Recent incidents have led to the death of one individual and injuries to others, heightening tensions in the region.
A Lebanese citizen was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Mercaiyoun region. The attack, carried out by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), targeted a motorcycle.
In Hermel, northeast Lebanon, an Israeli attack on a Lebanese army bulldozer injured a soldier. The vehicle was engaged in fortification work when targeted.
The body of a Lebanese officer, reportedly killed by Israeli forces, was discovered in Naqoura. Contact with the officer had been lost on November 26, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Since the ceasefire came into effect on November 27, the Israeli army has been accused of at least 73 violations, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. Alleged violations include house demolitions, artillery shelling, aerial bombardments by warplanes and UAVs, and surveillance drone flights.
U.S. and France express concern
The United States and France, key mediators in the ceasefire agreement, have criticized Israel for non-compliance:
According to Yedioth Ahronot, sources revealed that the U.S. administration warned Israel against violations, particularly the visible deployment of Israeli drones over Beirut. Amos Hochstein, a senior advisor to President Joe Biden, reportedly emphasized the need for restraint to ensure the ceasefire’s stability.
Citing 52 violations, French diplomatic sources accused Israel of bypassing proper channels to report alleged breaches by Hezbollah to the U.S.-led international monitoring body.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar denied the allegations, claiming that Israel had adhered to the terms of the agreement. Article 2 of the ceasefire explicitly prohibits Israeli military actions against civilian, military, or government targets in Lebanon. It also mandates reporting violations to the ceasefire monitoring body.
Threats to civilians
The Israeli military has issued warnings to residents of southern Lebanon, restricting their return to areas near the conflict zone.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee prohibited civilians from traveling to more than sixty towns and villages, including Shebaa, al-Habariyeh, Mercaiyoun, and others.
Adraee warned: “Anyone moving south of this line will be held responsible.”
As the ceasefire remains fragile, international stakeholders have stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation. Both the U.S. and France continue to urge all parties to uphold the agreement, emphasizing the need for diplomacy over military action.
