The visit from UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert to Israel has resulted in Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar declaring that Israel is “committed” to the ceasefire with Lebanon. The ceasefire calls for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon within 60 days and, obviously, the cessation of fire.
Sa’ar’s comments would seem very hopeful, but come with increasing recognition in Israeli media that it is “likely” Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon beyond the deadline, which is in just over four days. Lebanese officials also expect “delays” to Israel actually withdrawing.
Sa’ar somewhat addressed these concerns, saying Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon would be “phased” and “according to security needs.” What he didn’t address were the hundreds of overt violations of the ceasefire, including the aggressive military action that has continued in the south.
Israeli troops have substantially withdrawn from a handful of villages so far, but only after nearly destroying them. The fact is, Israel has been demolishing civilian homes, destroying agriculture and infrastructure throughout the ceasefire.
In the town of Taybeh, which Israeli troops only entered in recent weeks, they are reported to have set fire to at least eight civilian homes. This clear violation of the letter and spirit of the ceasefire, is, however, just a normal day in southern Lebanon, where home demolitions regularly occur where occupation forces are present.
The US, meant to be guarantors of the deal, doesn’t seem troubled by the contradiction of Israeli officials endorsing the ceasefire but flagrantly violating it at every opportunity. US officials have offered empty “guarantees” that Israel will meet the deadline.
Major General Jasper Jeffers, in charge of the ceasefire enforcement body, simply praises Israel for the “very positive path” it has taken on the ceasefire. The failure to actually withdraw from Lebanon and the hundreds of attacks carried out are not mentioned.
Meanwhile, the displaced in Lebanon continue to struggle. There are growing reports of food insecurity among the large number of people chased out of the South Lebanon’s agricultural area and not allowed to return. Access to healthcare is also a growing challenge for them.
