US and International Response to Israeli Violations in Lebanon
The United States has issued a warning to Israel regarding its violations of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, as conveyed by US envoy Amos Hochstein. Reports from Israeli media indicate that Hochstein communicated to Tel Aviv about the breaches, emphasizing the potential consequences of such actions. This warning comes amid escalating tensions, with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri labeling Israel's actions as a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire terms, which took effect last week.
In a related development, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also urged Israel to adhere to the ceasefire during a phone call with Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar. Barrot highlighted the necessity for all parties to respect the agreement, particularly after Israel conducted airstrikes following the ceasefire's implementation.
Allegations of Continued Military Operations by Israel
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have publicly rejected claims of violations and suggested that military operations should continue. This stance has raised concerns about Israel's commitment to the ceasefire, especially as Berri pointed out that there have been over 54 breaches reported since the agreement was enacted. He called for the monitoring committee to take immediate action to address these violations and ensure compliance from Israel.
The Israeli military has stated that it will persist in its operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, citing threats posed by the group as justification for its actions. Recent attacks have reportedly included bombings, artillery shelling, and drone operations, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Role of the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee
The establishment of a ceasefire monitoring committee, led by US General Jasper Jeffers, aims to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. General Jeffers recently met with Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to discuss coordination efforts among the involved parties. The committee's role is crucial in addressing the ongoing violations and ensuring that both Lebanon and Israel adhere to the terms of the ceasefire, which is essential for regional stability.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to de-escalate and adhere to the ceasefire to prevent further conflict.
