What's happened
Despite a ceasefire in November 2024, Israel maintains troops in southern Lebanon and conducts regular strikes against Hezbollah. Israel demands Lebanon disarm the group, citing ongoing threats and recent military actions, including a deadly raid. Lebanon's government faces pressure to enforce disarmament and prevent a renewed front.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing Israeli-Lebanese tensions reveal a fragile ceasefire that is under strain. Israel's military actions, including targeted strikes and troop deployments, demonstrate a persistent effort to prevent Hezbollah rearming and re-establishing itself as a threat. Despite Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah, the group remains resilient, supported by Iran, and insists its disarmament only applies to the south. The Lebanese government faces a difficult balancing act: fulfilling international disarmament commitments while Hezbollah's supporters rally around the group, as evidenced by funeral gatherings and chants of hostility. The recent Israeli raid and Hezbollah's response underscore the risk of escalation. The US continues to pressure Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, but the group's entrenched position and regional backing suggest that conflict could persist unless political solutions are found. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for renewed hostilities if either side miscalculates or if Hezbollah rearmament accelerates.
What the papers say
The Japan Times highlights Israel's ongoing military presence and accusations against Hezbollah, emphasizing the group's attempts to rearm and Lebanon's delayed disarmament efforts. France 24 provides details on Israel's demands for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, the recent Israeli raid, and Lebanon's military response, including the seizure of weapons caches. Reuters offers a broader perspective, noting Israel's continued strikes despite the ceasefire, US pressure, and Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah, while also mentioning regional support from Egypt. The Times of Israel focuses on Netanyahu's statements, Israel's military actions, and Hezbollah's stance, illustrating the group's resilience and regional tensions. These sources collectively depict a tense, unresolved conflict with potential for escalation.
How we got here
A ceasefire was brokered in November 2024 after over a year of conflict sparked by the Gaza war and Hezbollah's attacks. Israel has since maintained a troop presence and conducted air strikes, claiming to target Hezbollah positions. Lebanon's government has committed to disarm Hezbollah and has begun seizing weapons caches, but Hezbollah insists it only applies to south Lebanon and has hinted at potential conflict if challenged.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is Israel warning Lebanon about Hezbollah?
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Israel issues warnings to Lebanon regarding Hezbollah. With ongoing clashes and military strikes, many are wondering what’s behind these warnings and what could happen next. In this page, we’ll explore the reasons for Israel’s warnings, recent developments, and what it means for regional stability. Keep reading to understand the current situation and what questions people are asking about this tense standoff.
More on these topics
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Hassan Nasrallah is the third and current Secretary General of the Lebanese political and paramilitary party Hezbollah since his predecessor, Abbas al-Musawi, was assassinated by the Israel Defense Forces in February 1992.
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.