Israel Pledges to Level Hezbollah Homes in Lebanon with 'Full Force' Despite Ceasefire
Israel has declared its intention to demolish homes in Lebanon allegedly utilized by Hezbollah, vowing to counter threats with "full force" even as a temporary truce remains in effect. The Israeli military has been instructed to act aggressively on the ground and from the air to protect soldiers operating in Lebanese territory.
Military Operations Continue Amid Fragile Truce
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has directed the army to employ comprehensive military power during the ceasefire period. This includes orders to destroy any booby-trapped structures or roads and to remove houses in border villages that served as Hezbollah terror outposts.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli forces are actively demolishing remaining houses in Bint Jbeil, with additional destruction occurring in Mais Al-Jabal and Deir Seryan. The town of Kunin faced enemy artillery shelling, indicating ongoing military activities.
Residents Return Amid Uncertainty
Some displaced residents have hurried back to their homes in southern Lebanon, while others remain hesitant due to doubts about the durability of the 10-day truce that began on Friday. In villages like Dibbine and Srifa, people are inspecting damage, unloading belongings, and navigating the rubble of destroyed buildings.
Conversely, other individuals have been seen traveling away from the south after retrieving possessions from their homes, reflecting the precarious situation and lack of confidence in long-term stability.
Establishment of 'Yellow Line' and Forward Defense
The Israeli military has established a "Yellow Line" in south Lebanon, mirroring a similar boundary in Gaza that separates areas controlled by Israeli forces from those held by militant groups. A published map shows a "forward defense line" and a red zone along the border where operations aim to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and prevent direct threats to northern Israeli communities.
Israeli soldiers recently killed an armed terrorist who crossed this defensive line, underscoring the ongoing security challenges and military engagements in the region.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned what he termed "Israeli expansionism" in Lebanon, highlighting international concerns over the situation. The ceasefire followed the first high-level meeting between Lebanon and Israel in decades, pausing a conflict that has resulted in nearly 2,300 deaths in Lebanon and displaced over a million people since March 2.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to meet Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Paris to demonstrate France's support for Lebanon's territorial integrity. Macron will also urge Lebanese authorities to prosecute those responsible for an attack on UN peacekeepers that killed a French soldier and wounded three others, an incident blamed on Hezbollah but denied by the group.
Infrastructure and Mobility Challenges
Lebanon's military has reopened a road linking Nabatiyeh with the Khardali area and partially reopened the Burj Rahal-Tyre bridge in the south. However, Israeli strikes on several bridges across the Litani River, located approximately 30 kilometers from the border, continue to limit access to the region, complicating recovery and mobility efforts.
The situation remains tense as Israel maintains its aggressive stance against Hezbollah, with military actions persisting despite the ceasefire and international diplomatic engagements aiming to address the broader conflict and support stability in Lebanon.
