Israel Hints at Extending Its Occupation of Southern Lebanon

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz has reported that the Israeli army is preparing for the possibility of extending its presence in southern Lebanon beyond the 60-day deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

According to the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army is required to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon within a maximum of 60 days.

However, Haaretz noted that the Israeli military does not plan to withdraw its forces if the Lebanese army fails to uphold the agreement and does not establish full control over southern Lebanon.

This comes as the agreement reaches its halfway mark, 30 days since its implementation. The Israeli military has released figures on its operations in Lebanon, including ongoing violations of the ceasefire terms.

The Israeli army admitted to killing 44 Lebanese individuals since the ceasefire came into effect on November 27, claiming they were members of Hezbollah.

Continued Breaches of the Ceasefire

On Thursday, Israeli military vehicles advanced through Wadi Al-Hujeir into the town of Al-Qantara in southern Lebanon, marking a new breach of the ceasefire with Hezbollah. This incident brought the total number of Israeli violations of the agreement to over 300 since the ceasefire began 30 days ago.

According to the official Lebanese news agency, “Enemy military vehicles advanced through Wadi Al-Hujeir in southern Lebanon, conducting extensive sweeping operations with heavy machine guns during their progress.”

The agency also reported that the Lebanese army had closed roads leading to Wadi Al-Hujeir in response to the Israeli incursion.

It added that Israeli vehicles unexpectedly advanced toward the town of Al-Qantara in the Marjayoun District in southern Lebanon, causing local residents to flee to the nearby town of Al-Ghandourieh in the Bint Jbeil District.