Israel’s military has conducted over 500 operations in southern Lebanon within two months following a ceasefire agreement with Hizbollah, as local residents anticipate further devastation due to delayed troop withdrawals.
Since the ceasefire took effect on November 27, following over a year of conflict, Israel has executed regular military actions. A non-profit organization has documented 515 operations from the start of the ceasefire through January 17, including air and drone strikes, alongside more than 206 instances of property destruction across 39 villages. Reportedly, at least 37 individuals have lost their lives due to these operations.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel was expected to withdraw its forces from Lebanon by a recent deadline, while Hizbollah was supposed to relocate its armaments north of the Litani River. However, the Israeli government announced a decision to maintain its presence in Lebanon beyond this deadline, with discussions about extending the duration by 30 days.
Residents of border communities, many of whom have been displaced, face uncertainty regarding their return home and the state of their properties. The mayor of Aita el-Chaab expressed concerns about ongoing destruction, noting that Israeli attacks intensified after the ceasefire commenced.
Some displaced villagers are contemplating returning despite the hazards. Local officials acknowledge the risks but feel an urge to disrupt their prolonged displacement. Israeli government sources assert that their actions comply with ceasefire conditions, citing the continued presence of Hizbollah operatives and the insufficient deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces in the area.
One local leader highlighted the extensive damage in Aita, describing it as a disaster with significant destruction across homes, schools, and vital infrastructure. Hizbollah has cautioned Israel against testing its limits and has launched rockets at Israeli positions due to perceived ceasefire violations.
Lebanon’s newly appointed president condemned the bombardments and destruction of border communities as contrary to the ceasefire agreement. The UN peacekeeping force has classified certain Israeli actions, including the demolition of an observation post, as serious violations.
The Israeli military has not commented on the specifics of its operations since the ceasefire. However, it maintains that its efforts are aimed at removing threats associated with Hizbollah, claiming to have discovered numerous arms caches located in civilian structures.
Local accounts indicate that demolitions have become a routine occurrence, with reports of continued activity by Israeli bulldozers in areas like Naqoura. The LAF’s entry into some villages did not lead to immediate returns by residents, who await the clearance of unexploded ordnance.
Prior to the ceasefire, Israel had already undertaken extensive destruction near the border. While troops have withdrawn from several villages along parts of the border, a significant presence remains, particularly in the eastern section.
One business owner expressed his grief over the loss of his home and livelihood, attributing the destruction as collective punishment to the entire community irrespective of individual affiliations with Hizbollah.
The conflict escalated following Hizbollah’s response to an attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to a year filled with cross-border skirmishes, including a major ground invasion by Israel. The toll has been severe, with thousands dead in both Lebanon and Israel and extensive displacements reported.
Experts in international law have raised concerns regarding the justification of Israel’s actions, arguing that the level of destruction inflicted on civilian areas raises significant legal and ethical questions.
Reports indicate that some of the most severe destruction occurred in Kfar Kila, with residents describing frequent explosions and claiming that much of the damage occurred after the ceasefire began.
photo credit: www.ft.com
