Fragile calm in Southern Lebanon following ceasefire violations
Israel escalated its attacks on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in recent weeks. Ibrahim Amro/AFP/Getty Images
A tense quiet enveloped southern Lebanon after a night of escalated violence that challenged the fragile ceasefire.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati revealed on Tuesday that diplomatic efforts had intensified to halt Israeli violations, which had reached 47 incidents by Monday morning.
Hezbollah responded on Monday by targeting the Shebaa Farms and Galilee, prompting Israeli strikes on southern villages.
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The attacks left six civilians dead, including a woman and child in Haris, and injured two others pulled from the rubble. The targeted areas included Jabal Safi, Louaizi, Mlikh, and the outskirts of Arnoun.
Despite Israeli threats of severe retaliation on Beirut, U.S. pressure reportedly restrained further escalation.
Mikati met with U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, chair of the monitoring committee, to stress the importance of stability and facilitate the return of displaced residents. He also advocated for the wider deployment of Lebanese Army troops in southern regions. However, tensions persisted.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichai Adraee warned civilians against moving south of several villages, while Israeli forces continued operations, including drone strikes and tank advancements. Violations reached as far as Kfar Melki in the Sidon district.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Armed Forces began redeploying in Tyre and border villages to enforce security under the ceasefire. Hezbollah’s Civil Defense units recovered the remains of 192 victims, mainly fighters.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, has made a public appearance following injuries sustained in an Israeli attack, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to Lebanon’s reconstruction.
