The Israeli Defense Force, IDF reported on Thursday that a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah had been violated, prompting Israeli tank fire on six locations in southern Lebanon.
According to the IDF, “suspects,” some in vehicles, were observed entering areas near the southern zone, leading to the military response.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously announced the ceasefire agreement on Tuesday, stating its intent to allow displaced Israeli families to return to northern areas after months of conflict along the Lebanon border.
Netanyahu assured that Israel retained “full freedom” to act in Lebanon, while the ceasefire would enable a sharper focus on the Iranian threat and Hamas in Gaza.
The ceasefire, brokered with U.S. mediation and aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, is meant to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, alongside ongoing battles with Hamas in Gaza.
The terms include a 60-day timeline for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon while prohibiting offensive actions by either side.
Despite these provisions, clashes have continued. Israeli forces remain stationed in Lebanese territory near the border, and surveillance drones have been active over southern Lebanon.
Lebanese residents displaced during the conflict have attempted to return to their homes but Israeli forces have restricted access to border villages.
Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri confirmed on Wednesday that residents could return while Hezbollah declared its readiness to respond to any Israeli aggression, maintaining a cautious stance as Israeli forces withdraw.
The ceasefire comes after intense conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, compounded by the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders during Israeli strikes.
