Early ceasefire violated, Israel and Hezbollah blame each other

(CLO) The Israeli military said its air force struck a facility used by Hezbollah to store medium-range missiles in southern Lebanon on Thursday, after both sides accused each other of violating a ceasefire reached just a day earlier.

Israel said it also opened fire on Thursday at what it called "suspects" with vehicles entering several areas in southern Lebanon, shortly after a ceasefire came into effect on Wednesday morning.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of violating the agreement. "The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to border villages," Fadlallah told reporters, adding that "Israel is still violating today, even in this form."

A damaged car lies near Roman ruins in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon. Photo: Reuters

The Lebanese army also accused Israel of multiple ceasefire violations on Wednesday and Thursday. The incidents highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France to end the conflict. The ceasefire was meant to last for 60 days in the hope of achieving a permanent truce.

The Israeli airstrike on Thursday was the first since the ceasefire came into effect. Lebanese security sources and Al Jadeed television said the incident took place near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River.

Earlier, Israeli tanks hit five towns and several agricultural fields in southern Lebanon, state media and Lebanese security sources said, adding that at least two people were wounded.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it had identified a number of suspicious activities that posed a threat and violated the conditions of the ceasefire agreement. "Any violation of this agreement will be met with fire," Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said.

Later on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to prepare for intense fighting if the ceasefire was violated.

"We are enforcing it vigorously," Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel's Channel 14. "But if necessary, I have given the IDF instructions - be prepared in case the ceasefire is violated, leading to a fierce war."

Displaced Lebanese families are returning to check on their possessions. But Israeli troops remain stationed inside Lebanon in towns along the border.

The truce is aimed at ending the bloodiest confrontation between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah in years. Under the terms of the truce, Israeli forces have 60 days to withdraw from Lebanon and neither side is allowed to carry out offensive operations.

Hezbollah said its fighters "remain fully equipped to deal with the ambitions and attacks of the enemy" and that its forces would watch Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon "with ready hands".

However, the group has been greatly weakened by casualties, destruction of its facilities and the killing of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and many other commanders by Israel.

Hoang Anh (according to AJ, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lenh-ngung-ban-som-bi-vi-pham-israel-va-hezbollah-do-loi-cho-nhau-post323374.html