By Michael Specter
Airstrike Targets Hezbollah’s Rocket Storage
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Israeli military confirmed that its air force had conducted an airstrike on a facility in southern Lebanon that was used by the Hezbollah militant group to store mid-range rockets. This marks the first military action since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday morning. According to the Israeli military, the attack was prompted by the identification of “terrorist activity” at the site, which was successfully neutralized by Israeli aircraft.
Ceasefire in Effect, But Israeli Military Remains on Alert
Despite the ongoing ceasefire, which began at 4 a.m. on November 27, Israel’s military remains deployed in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement reassuring the public that it would continue to enforce the terms of the ceasefire and respond to any violations. As part of the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah is required to end its military presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli forces are to withdraw from the region.
International Monitoring and Peacekeeping Efforts
The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for additional Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers to be stationed in southern Lebanon, alongside an international monitoring panel led by the United States. The panel will oversee the enforcement of the ceasefire and ensure that both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement. While this deal has provided a temporary halt to hostilities, tensions remain high, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Ongoing Tensions in Gaza
Although the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah offers hope for de-escalation in southern Lebanon, it does not extend to the ongoing war in Gaza, where hostilities with Hamas continue. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with Hamas still holding hostages and the conflict showing no sign of resolution in the near future.
