Israeli forces have intensified their breaches of the ceasefire in Lebanon, escalating their presence in southern regions and detaining a Lebanese civilian on December 26.
According to a statement from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) on Thursday, “The Israeli enemy continues to breach the ceasefire, infringe on Lebanon’s sovereignty, and harm civilians and southern communities.” The statement detailed Israeli incursions into areas such as Qantara, Adshit al-Qusayr, and Wadi al-Hujayr. In response, the Lebanese army reinforced its presence and is closely monitoring developments in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the ceasefire oversight committee.
Footage emerged showing Israeli military personnel and vehicles operating in Wadi al-Hujayr. Earlier in the day, Al-Akhbar reported that Israeli troops advanced from the Taybeh project area, moving through Adshit al-Qusayr and Al-Qantara before reaching Wadi al-Hujayr in the early morning hours.
The Lebanese military blocked access to Wadi al-Hujayr as Israeli Merkava tanks patrolled the area, conducting searches in the surrounding forests. During this incursion, Israeli forces shot and detained a Lebanese man, Hussam Fawaz, in Wadi al-Hujayr. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head but was later released to UNIFIL and transported to safety by a Lebanese army ambulance.
This escalation follows an airstrike launched by Israel on December 25 in the Bekaa Valley, marking the first such attack since the ceasefire began last month. Hours after the airstrike, Israeli forces fired on a UNIFIL and Lebanese Red Cross convoy and detonated homes in Mays al-Jabal, a village in southern Lebanon.
Israel, a master of violating ceasefire agreements!
Since the implementation of the ceasefire under UN Resolution 1701, Israel has violated the agreement over 100 times through airstrikes, arrests, military advances, and widespread destruction in southern villages. Israel justifies its actions as targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, which the Lebanese army is tasked with addressing under the ceasefire terms.
On December 23, security sources informed The Cradle that Israel is dissatisfied with the Lebanese army’s handling of the ceasefire and plans to maintain its presence in the south. French intermediaries reportedly conveyed Israel’s concerns, warning that the Israeli military intends to remain in the area until all Hezbollah infrastructure south of the Litani River is destroyed, even beyond the designated 60-day withdrawal period.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces are required to leave Lebanese territory within 60 days of the announcement. Four weeks have passed, leaving only a month for withdrawal.
Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad criticized the Israeli incursions, calling them a severe escalation that undermines the implementation of Resolution 1701 and damages the credibility of the monitoring committee. “This behavior shows a blatant disregard for commitments and agreements. It demands an immediate reassessment by the Lebanese government, army, and relevant authorities,” he stated. Fayyad also urged a review of the US-led mechanism for overseeing violations, labelling it a “catastrophic failure” in addressing Israel’s actions.
