Hezbollah's Targeted Response to Israeli Violations
On December 2, 2024, Lebanon's Hezbollah announced it had conducted a defensive operation by targeting the Israeli army's Ruwaysat al-Alam site, situated in the occupied Kfar Shuba hills. This action was described as a response to what Hezbollah termed repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel, which included air strikes and shelling on Lebanese territory. According to reports, two rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards the Israeli site, landing in an open area near military installations in the Shebaa Farms, resulting in no casualties.
Israeli Threats of Retaliation
In reaction to Hezbollah's actions, Israeli officials, including opposition leader Benny Gantz, emphasized the need for a robust response. Gantz warned that failing to respond decisively could lead to a return to previous conflict dynamics. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed this sentiment, asserting that Hezbollah must recognize a shift in the balance of power, indicating that the previous era of restraint has ended. The Israeli army confirmed the rocket fire but reported no injuries, while also indicating that it would retaliate against any breaches of security.
Escalating Tensions and International Concerns
The situation has drawn attention from the United States, which has cautioned Israel about the repercussions of its actions that violate the ceasefire. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned Israel's actions as a
and called for the monitoring committee to take action. Concurrently, reports indicated that Israeli forces had fired artillery shells towards the town of Beit Lif and engaged in heavy machine gun fire targeting Yaroun, although no casualties were reported from these incidents. The ongoing tensions highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the potential for further escalation in the region.
