We’re more than a week into the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. Israel has continued carrying out airstrikes against Lebanon despite the ceasefire, and the number and intensity of the strikes appear to be escalating this weekend.
At least three civilians were killed today in an Israeli airstrike against the southern Lebanese town of Dibbine. Dibbine is north of the town of Khiam, which has been a frequent target during the ceasefire.
Earlier on Saturday, four people were killed and six wounded in Israeli attacks on Beit Lif, which is further to the southwest. The attacks this weekend bring the number of people Israel has killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire began to 23. In addition, 24 people have been injured.
Lebanon has reported well over 100 Israeli ceasefire violations since the deal began, most involving shooting at people or carrying out airstrikes against Lebanese territory. Hezbollah has launched a small number of airstrikes against northern Israel in retaliation, though Secretary of State Tony Blinken still says the ceasefire is “holding.”
Israel has claimed many “violations” of the ceasefire agreement, though most are Lebanese civilians in vehicles attempting to return home to southern Lebanon. The IDF has warned civilians not to return, but it isn’t clear that doing so amounts to a ceasefire violation.
Adding to the tensions in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces have captured two olive farmers who were harvesting olives in al-Majidieh. Al-Majidieh is Lebanese territory, near the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms. Israel has not offered any explanation as to why they detained farmers harvesting olives on Lebanese soil.
There was also an incident in which dozens of Israeli settlers crossed the border near Maroun al-Ras, and attempted to found a new Israeli outpost inside Lebanon. They planted trees and took photos, declaring the new site “May Marom.” They ultimately left, however, when Israeli solders arrived, but vowed to return.
Who in their right mind in that region enters into a 'ceasefire' with Israel, the US or our proxies?
Israel loves "cease fires" because they can regroup and they can break them any time they wish. But when the other side breaks them Israel tells the world they now have reason to eradicate them fully.