Despite accusations from both sides, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains in place, though tensions flare with ongoing military actions

A fragile ceasefire brokered this week between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah appeared to hold through Friday, despite reports of violations from both sides. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah’s military activity, including a portable rocket launcher. The strikes followed previous attacks by the Israeli air force, which targeted sites believed to be responsible for firing projectiles into Israel before the ceasefire was implemented.

On the ground in Lebanon, the situation remains tense, with Israeli forces reportedly opening fire on mourners at a funeral in the town of Khiam. Additionally, four Israeli tanks were reported to have entered a western neighbourhood of the town. The Israeli military confirmed its operations in the Khiam area but stated that its presence was necessary to enforce the ceasefire and defend Israeli forces.

The Lebanese Army, along with Hezbollah representatives, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, while the IDF insisted that it was merely responding to provocations by Hezbollah. The head of the IDF, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, emphasized Israel’s readiness to enforce the ceasefire through military means if necessary. At the same time, Hezbollah has made its own claims of Israeli violations.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel has committed to withdrawing ground troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days. This area will see an increased presence of both the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers, who will act as monitors to ensure compliance. Hezbollah, for its part, has agreed to keep its fighters out of a designated zone between the Lebanese border and the Litani River, a roughly 1.8 to 18-mile area north of the border.

Amid Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire violations, the IDF implemented a 14-hour curfew starting at 5 p.m. local time, ordering people to remain south of the Litani River as part of Israel’s strategy to control the region and reduce further escalation.