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After more than a year of intermittent conflict, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire agreement marking a turning point in the situation in Lebanon. This agreement, which provides for a 60-day truce, aims to reduce tensions and give respite to civilian populations affected by the conflict. However, several aspects of this agreement, notably Israel’s freedom of military action and the implementation of the truce, still raise questions about its sustainability.
The main elements of the ceasefire agreement
The agreement, approved by the Israeli security cabinet, provides for several important commitments from both sides. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite militant group, is pledging to move its military forces north of the Litani River in accordance with the demands of UN Resolution 1701. This measure aims to relieve congestion on Lebanon’s southern border and reduce military tensions in the region.
In return, Israel agreed to gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to provide security for the region. The Israeli withdrawal and deployment of the Lebanese army should help stabilize the border areas and protect civilians living in these regions.
The agreement, which lasts 60 days, stipulates that Hezbollah must move north of the Litani within that time frame. Israel, for its part, undertakes to withdraw its forces, but it retains the right to respond militarily if Hezbollah violates the agreement by seeking to rearm or by launching attacks against Israel.
Freedom of military action: Israel retains its right to fly over Lebanon
One of the most sensitive aspects of this agreement concerns Israel’s freedom of military action. Although the ceasefire involves an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Israel retains its right to fly over Lebanese airspace. This allows Israel to monitor the movements of Hezbollah and other potential militant groups, while maintaining pressure on Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
Israel justifies this freedom of overflight as a necessity for its national security, because it considers Hezbollah a major threat. Under the agreement, Israel continues to reserve the right to carry out military strikes against strategic targets in Lebanon, including weapons warehouses and facilities related to missile production.
The role of the international community and implementation challenges
The deal was supported by the United States, France and other international actors, who played a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hezbollah. The United Nations, through UNIFIL, will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire, particularly the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army. This supervision is essential to ensure that the terms of the agreement are respected and to avoid any military escalation.
However, implementing this agreement will not be without challenges. Hezbollah, although having accepted the agreement, remains suspicious of Israeli intentions, particularly regarding Israel’s freedom of military action. The group has expressed doubts about the sincerity of Israel’s commitment to respect the truce, and tensions remain over the Lebanese government’s ability to impose strict control over all factions present in the south of the country.
A 60-day ceasefire: A fragile hope for peace?
Although the ceasefire agreement is a step towards reducing violence, it remains fragile. The 60 days following its entry into force will be crucial to test the willingness of both parties to respect the terms of the ceasefire. The situation in Lebanon is complex, with internal factions that could attempt to disrupt the agreement, and continued tensions between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah, which exercises strong influence in the south of the country.
Hezbollah, although having accepted the agreement, retains much of its military and political power in Lebanon. If the truce is violated, it is likely that hostilities will resume quickly. The support of the international community, and particularly the United States and France, will be essential to ensure that the truce lasts beyond the 60 days initially planned.
A fragile break or a turning point for peace?
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah represents a welcome break after months of violence, but it remains unclear whether this truce will mark the start of lasting peace. If Hezbollah respects the terms of the agreement, and if Israel maintains its freedom of action while avoiding escalation, it could pave the way for a more peaceful management of the conflict. However, the challenges remain considerable, particularly with the question of the disarmament of Hezbollah and the internal stability of Lebanon.
This 60-day ceasefire is a fragile hope for peace in Lebanon, but it relies on rigorous implementation and sincere commitment from all parties involved. Monitoring of the agreement by the international community will be essential to prevent the situation from degenerating again.
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