Israel Bombs Southern Lebanon Town of Yaroun as Demolitions Continue

Israel’s demolition of civilian homes and infrastructure continues in southern Lebanon, despite the ongoing ceasefire. On Wednesday, this centered on the town of Yaroun, in the Bint Jbeil District, where Israeli bombings were reported.

The bombings were reported as the “systematic demolitions” of homes in the residential part of town. This isn’t new, as Israel has been burning and bombing residences across southern Lebanon throughout the ceasefire.

Although these incidents have been widely reported, Israel has typically not commented on them. The villages the IDF has withdrawn from so far have been virtually destroyed, with the vast majority of homes gone and the infrastructure ruined.

In towns like Yaroun, signs warn civilians to stay away, and Israeli snipers are positioned on the outskirts to ensure they don’t approach while this occupation/demolition goes on. Some 70 days into the 60-day ceasefire, displaced civilians have grown impatient, with many eager to return home while there’s still a home standing.

Increasing numbers of displaced are trying to return despite Israeli threats, despite the fact that Israel has killed dozens and wounded over 100 in recent weeks. Many anticipated that January 27, the designated day for complete Israeli withdrawal, would be a “Day of the South,” a celebration and return to the area after occupation.

This was derailed when Israel shot many of the returnees on January 26-27, and, indeed, never actually withdrew. The “ceasefire,” with all its continued shooting and burning, was extended by the US and Israel to February 18, and now there is substantial concern that this date will be kicked further down the road.

With little international effort being made to help those displaced, many southern Lebanese feel they don’t have a choice but must try to go home. That’s risky, because Israel will likely shoot at them and declare their attempts to get home a “provocation.”

Israel’s ongoing strikes continue to take victims as well as causing structural damage. A 7-year old child was reported as a victim of an Israeli drone strike earlier during the extended ceasefire. Injured on January 29 in Majdal Selm, the child succumbed today.

Citing more than 800 Israeli ceasefire violations, Lebanon has taken the matter to the UN Security Council in an official complaint. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also met with the French ambassador to urge the French government to pressure Israel to stop violating the ceasefire and to actually withdraw from Lebanon by the February 18 deadline.

Earlier during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, France was very critical of Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers in the country. Ultimately though, Israel reacted with anger to that criticism, and dismissed the French complaint, so it’s not clear whether increased French pressure will have any impact on the occupation.