Israel defies ceasefire with strikes in Lebanon as Washington talks stall

Israeli drone and artillery strikes killed at least two people in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, marking a direct violation of a ceasefire agreement reached just last week. The attacks occurred near Kfar Reman in the Nabatieh district and on the outskirts of Yater in the Bint Jbeil area, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The violence erupted despite ongoing diplomatic talks in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese officials, who are attempting to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict.

The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah operatives, yet the incident has intensified tensions as the two nations engage in US-mediated negotiations. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz firmly rejected any notion of an immediate pullback, stating that troops would not withdraw from Lebanese territory even if pressured by the United States. Katz cited security concerns and the need for Hezbollah’s disarmament as primary reasons for the continued occupation, adding that 200,000 displaced residents would not be allowed to return until security conditions were met.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed that his government intends to deploy the Lebanese army to the south following an Israeli withdrawal, with reconstruction efforts to follow. Aoun distinguished the current Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington from broader US-Iran negotiations, emphasising that the ceasefire’s viability depends on Israeli forces leaving Lebanese territory and ceasing attacks. Lebanese politicians have consistently argued that these conditions are essential for the truce to hold.

On the ground, military activity has reduced but not ceased, according to Al Jazeera reporter Heidi Pett in Tyre. While the scale of operations has diminished compared to recent weekends, Pett noted that Israeli forces continue to carry out limited operations. Despite the threat, local data indicates a significant return of civilians; the mayor of Abbasiyeh, near Tyre, reported that 80 per cent of residents have returned to the town, which has seen the restoration of water, electricity, and medical services.

Diplomatic efforts in Washington are reportedly considering a proposal for US-vetted Lebanese forces to replace Israeli troops, provided they have no links to Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah has condemned the US-mediated talks, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal before engaging in any further dialogue. The conflicting positions regarding withdrawal timelines and disarmament remain the primary obstacles to sustaining the fragile peace.