Mr. Netanyahu is expected to be the first foreign leader to meet with Mr. Trump since his inauguration last month. The Israeli leader is expected to hold formative discussions with the Trump administration about several crucial regional issues.
Archiv: 26-11-2024 ceasefire deal in Lebanon invasion / effectively broken by Israeli government on 26-01-2025 / West Asia War
Israel proposes south Lebanon buffer zone as border violence erupts
(January 28, 2025)
Critics argue that such a measure would exacerbate tensions rather than bring stability. Harb dismissed the idea. “This isn’t new. Israel had a buffer zone in Lebanon from 1978 to 2000, and it failed to provide the security it sought. Why would this strategy work now? It’s destruction for the sake of control, but it won’t bring peace or stability to anyone,“ Harb said.
Ceasefire violations: Israeli strikes on Lebanon seen as pressure tactic ahead of February 18 deadline
(today)
Lebanese sources believe that Israel‘s ongoing airstrikes on various areas in Lebanon are part of an effort to justify its continued occupation of certain southern regions beyond the February 18 withdrawal deadline.
Israeli drone drops bomb near Lebanese army and civilians in Yaroun, south Lebanon
The official National News Agency said Tuesday that an Israeli drone dropped a bomb near a gathering of Lebanese army personnel and citizens in the town of Yaroun.
Israel tells southern Lebanon civilians to await return clearance
This warning comes after South Lebanon residents, accompanied by the army, attempted to return to their villages on Monday, following Israeli fire that killed over 20 people. The ceasefire, extended until February 18, allows Israel more time to withdraw, as confirmed by the White House and Lebanon‘s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Israel maintains occupation in eastern sector of South Lebanon: Civilians and Lebanese Army clash with Israeli forces
In towns like Bani Haiyyan, Markaba, and the region of Borj El Mlouk heading towards Kfarkela, which remains under Israeli occupation, residents defied military checkpoints and moved towards their towns. The Israeli forces responded by opening fire on the civilians and Lebanese Army positions.
Israeli Forces Again Open Fire as Lebanese Try to Return Home, Lebanese Officials Say
(Jan. 27, 2025Updated 12:07 p.m. ET)
Israeli forces opened fire toward residents of southern Lebanon for a second consecutive day on Monday as people pressed on with attempts to return to their homes along the border, a day after at least two dozen people were killed and scores injured in Israeli attacks, Lebanese officials said.
The Israeli fire on Sunday was the deadliest bout of violence in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia, ended with a truce in November. In the renewed violence on Monday, at least two people were killed and 17 others injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
White House Statement on Agreement Extension Between Lebanon and Israel
(January 26, 2025)
The arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, 2025.
The Government of Lebanon, the Government of Israel, and the Government of the United States will also begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023.
Full text of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon
(November 27,2024)
10. Israel and Lebanon will report any alleged violations to the Mechanism and Unifil without prejudice to their respective rights to communicate directly with the UN Security Council. The Mechanism will develop appropriate procedures to consult, inspect, gather information, and assist in ensuring the enforcement of these commitments.
11. Upon the commencement of the cessation of hostilities according to paragraph one, Lebanon will deploy its official military and security forces to all borders, and to all regulated and non-regulated land, air and sea border crossings. In addition, the LAF will deploy forces, set road blocks and checkpoints on all the roads and bridges along the line delineating the Southern Litani Area.
12. Upon the commencement of the cessation of hostilities according to paragraph one, Israel will withdraw its forces in a phased manner south of the Blue Line, and in parallel the LAF will deploy to positions in the Southern Litani Area shown in the attached LAF Deployment Plan, and will commence the implementation of its obligations under the commitments, including the dismantling of unauthorised sites and infrastructure and confiscating unauthorised arms and related materiel. The Mechanism will co-ordinate execution by the Israel Defence Forces and LAF of the specific and detailed plan for the phased withdrawal and deployment in these areas, which should not exceed 60 days.
Toll from Israeli attacks rises to 15 in South Lebanon: Health Ministry
A citizen was killed in the town of Odaisseh, while a man and a young woman lost their lives in Meiss El Jabal, and another citizen was killed in Markaba.
These latest casualties bring the total number of fatalities to 15 so far, according to the ministry‘s statement.
Israeli gunfire kills Lebanese soldier, injures another in southern Lebanon
The Lebanese Army announced that one of its soldiers was killed and another wounded in separate incidents of gunfire by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
In a statement, the army reported that the fatal shooting occurred on the Marwahin-Dhayra road in the Tyre District, while the injury took place in the town of Meiss El Jabal, Marjaayoun District.
France‘s Macron informs President Joseph Aoun of ongoing efforts to maintain ceasefire agreement
President Macron explained that he is in contact with various parties to maintain the ceasefire and ensure the full implementation of the agreement.
Israeli military sets up roadblocks in southern Lebanon and announces it won’t withdraw by deadline
While Lebanese army soldiers are dispersed across the south’s western sector, Israeli troops remained in control of most of the southeastern sector.
Members of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, said Israeli tanks and bulldozers have unexpectedly moved and set up several roadblocks, apparently in an attempt to prevent displaced Lebanese people trying to return to their villages.
Uncertainty in Lebanon after Israel delays troop withdrawal
So, this ceasefire agreement is really a test. A test of whether the state can extend its authority across southern Lebanon.
Israel is a rogue nation. It should be removed from the United Nations
(October 15, 2024)
One rogue nation cannot declare war on the UN itself and continue to get away with it
Israel to Extend Military Presence in Lebanon With Trump Administration’s Blessing
The Israeli security cabinet authorized the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) late Thursday to remain in some areas of southern Lebanon past the 60-day withdrawal deadline set to expire on Sunday. Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire agreement approved last November, both sides must fully remove all of their troops from the region by Jan. 26 to reinstate the borders laid out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
White House Calls for Israel to Stay in Lebanon Past Truce Deadline
The White House is calling for Israeli troops to be allowed to remain in Lebanon past the expiration date of a cease-fire next week, giving Israel more time to complete its mission but heightening the risks that the truce will unravel altogether.
Lebanese army stresses adherence to directives, vows readiness for full deployment in border zones
The army is also implementing an operational plan to enhance its deployment south of the Litani River, as mandated by the cabinet, starting from the first day the ceasefire agreement took effect.
This is being executed in successive and specific phases in coordination with the five-nation committee overseeing the agreement‘s implementation and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
„Delays in some phases have occurred due to Israeli procrastination in withdrawing, complicating the army‘s deployment mission. Nonetheless, the army remains ready to complete its deployment as soon as the Israeli army withdraws,“ the statement said.
Israel procrastinating in northern border withdrawal, Lebanese army claims
Lebanon‘s army accused Israel of procrastinating in withdrawing troops from south Lebanon as required under a ceasefire that ended the war with Hezbollah, a day after Israel said its forces would remain beyond a Sunday deadline for their departure.
Staying beyond deadline: Israel insists on delaying withdrawal from Lebanon, citing Hezbollah threats
Israel submitted a list of strategic areas it intends to retain control over, particularly those overlooking northern Israeli towns, without specifying a timeline for the extended presence.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials are debating the creation of a buffer zone along the border, with no clear timeframe for its establishment.
Israel says it won’t withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday deadline
“The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) withdrawal is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by Lebanon, the gradual withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.”
Trump administration unwilling to grant extension for IDF withdrawal from Lebanon, wants it done by Sunday — report
The Trump administration expects the IDF to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Sunday, per the terms of the ceasefire agreement with the Hezbollah terror group, Army Radio reports.
The position of the new administration under US President Donald Trump, Army Radio says, differs from that of the Biden administration, which was said to be considering granting Israel an additional 30 days beyond the 60-day withdrawal period stipulated in the truce agreement
Lebanese government formation delayed as discussions continue ahead of ceasefire deadline
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam aimed to announce the formation of Lebanon‘s new government before January 26, the deadline for the ceasefire agreement, ensuring the country would be prepared for any security challenges with a fully-formed government.
However, the government formation has yet to be finalized. Sources indicate that the discussions are ongoing, with matters far from closed.
Israel intensifies military actions in South Lebanon amid growing withdrawal debate
Israel‘s military has intensified its operations in southern Lebanon as it claims to have found large quantities of Hezbollah weapons in the Shebaa Farms area.
This comes as Israel reaffirms its decision not to withdraw from Lebanon on January 26, marking the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Massive Israeli Destruction Continues in Southern Lebanon as Ceasefire Enters Final Week
It is now just one week from the end of the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Under the terms of that deal, Israel must fully withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon by January 26.
Israel has completely withdrawn from just two towns in the first 53 days of the ceasefire. With at least 60 towns and villages still to go, it is unlikely Tel Aviv will meet the deadline, despite US assurances that it “guarantees” Israel will do so.
Israeli airstrikes target Baalbek region in Lebanon, violating ceasefire agreement
In addition to the Baalbek strikes, Israeli aircraft executed six intense airstrikes across various locations in southern Lebanon, as reported by NNA.
The ceasefire, facilitated by the United States and France, was intended to conclude nearly 14 months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli airstrike on Tayr Debba kills five, injures four, health ministry reports
An Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Tayr Debba has resulted in five fatalities and four injuries, according to the Ministry of Public Health‘s Emergency Operations Center.
LIVE: Israeli air strikes hit Yemen, Lebanon as more than 20 killed in Gaza
Israel’s military said it attacked sites in Yemen controlled by Houthi fighters, including a power station near the capital Sanaa, and the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Isa.
Several people have been killed in an Israeli air strike in Lebanon’s south with Israel’s military saying later that it was still “committed to the understanding of the ceasefire” with Lebanon.
Assad‘s former aide says deposed Syrian president was ‚tricked‘ by Putin
“But what happened was that the Iranians told Bashar al-Assad, ‘we did not receive any signals to proceed with moving Iranian aircraft to the Hmeimim base [or to] fly through Iraqi airspace to land at the base,’” Saqr told Mazeej.
“The question was relayed to Moscow, but no answer came.”
When asked whether this was a “trick by Putin”, Saqr said there was “no other explanation”.
Saqr said the Iranians told Assad they sent a plane regardless through Iraq, but were warned by the US that the aircraft would be shot down if it continued.
UNIFIL’s collapse: Tragic incidents and strategic failures
(January 4, 2025)
However, despite its $551 million budget and a contingent of over 10,000 personnel, UNIFIL has now become symbolic of the United Nations’ broader peacekeeping failures.
This is because, instead of curbing instability as it was tasked, UNIFIL’s presence has inadvertently facilitated Hezbollah’s military buildup, making southern Lebanon a launching pad for attacks on Israel and a stronghold of Iranian influence. As the war unfolds, it is becoming even clearer that UNIFIL’s mission has failed, and its continued presence serves no constructive purpose.
Unifil accuses Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty, tearing down border marker
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as Unifil, accused the Israeli military on Saturday f destroying a blue barrel marking the border between Israel and Lebanon, as well as a Lebanese army observation tower.
“This morning peacekeepers observed an IDF bulldozer destroying a blue barrel marking the line of withdrawal between Lebanon and Israel in Labbouneh, as well as an observation tower belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces immediately beside a UNIFIL position there,” Unifil said.
UN continues to call for timely Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon
(December 3, 2025)
Operations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) north of the UN-monitored Blue Line in southern Lebanon have continued, according to the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, UNIFIL.
This includes movements further north reported in Sector East, while a redeployment by the Lebanese Armed Forces was conducted this week in Shama, in Sector West.
Both Israel and Lebanon have recommitted to full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said during the daily media briefing from New York on Friday.
Israeli strikes kill 6 in Lebanon‘s south, 34 in Gaza
(December 7, 2024)
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 34 Palestinians on Saturday, health officials in the enclave said, as Qatar voiced hope of fresh momentum in efforts to reach a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The health officials said that an Israeli strike hit a house in Gaza City late Saturday, killing four women. The Israeli military did not provide an immediate comment on Saturday‘s strikes across Gaza
Source close to Hezbollah says group sent 2,000 fighters to Syria
The source said that since the opposition offensive began last week, Hezbollah has not taken an active part in the fighting.
The group’s fighters had been sent “to defend its positions” in the mountains along the Syria-Lebanon border, the source said, adding that Hezbollah “has not yet participated in any battles.”
Syria rebels appear to credit Israeli strikes on Hezbollah with aiding shock advance
(December 2, 2024)
“They accuse us of cooperating with you because we were quite happy when you attacked Hezbollah, really happy, and we’re glad that you won,” the source said.
Both said the rebels had no issue with Israel. “We love Israel and we were never its enemies,” the man from the Idlib area said. “[Israel] isn’t hostile to those who are not hostile toward it. We don’t hate you, we love you very much.”
Nine people killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon
The Lebanese health ministry on Monday said that at least nine people were killed in Israeli air strikes on two towns in southern Lebanon.
In Haris, five people were killed while two others were wounded.
In Talousa, four people were killed and one person was wounded.
60-Day withdrawal countdown: Israeli forces continue to engage in South Lebanon
Before the expiration of the 60-day deadline for Israel‘s withdrawal from southern Lebanese border villages, the Israeli military continues its operations under the pretext of self-defense, as outlined in Clause 4 of the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.
Araghchi says terror resurgence in Syria part of Western-Israeli plot
Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam al-Sabbagh on Friday, where both officials examined the evolving situation in Syria and broader regional developments.
„The reactivation of terrorist groups in Syria is a U.S.-Zionist scheme after failure in Lebanon,“ Araghchi stated while reaffirming Tehran‘s unwavering support for Damascus in its ongoing struggle against terrorism.
Syrian rebels enter Aleppo for first time in eight years during shock offensive
Syrian armed rebels have entered Aleppo just three days into their surprise offensive, marking the first time they have set foot in the country’s second largest city since government forces recaptured the city in 2016.
Rebel forces launched a surprise attack this week, sweeping through several villages outside the city and reigniting conflict that had been largely static for years.
New political phase: France pushes for swift presidential election in Lebanon after ceasefire agreement
In this context, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian has arrived for his sixth visit to Beirut since the presidential vacancy began. His discussions will include meetings with Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, several members of parliament, and ambassadors from the Quintet committee.
According to LBCI sources, Le Drian is not expected to present any new proposals but will urge Lebanese officials to elect a president as soon as possible. Paris believes that a presidential election would send a strong message that Lebanon is working to rebuild its constitutional institutions.
Lebanese MP: Hezbollah in ‚full cooperation‘ with army in south
Lebanese MP Hassan Fadlallah has said that Hezbollah is cooperating with the Lebanese state over bolstering the army‘s presence in the south, saying that the group has „no visible weapons or bases,“ AFP news agency is reporting.
According to the ceasefire agreement between the group and Israel which was implemented this morning, the Lebanese army can be the only armed presence in southern Lebanon.
Israel-Lebanon: Ceasefire an encouraging step for region exhausted by conflict
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is encouraged that a ceasefire has been agreed that would end the fighting and help bring some hope and stability to a region exhausted by conflict.
The ceasefire must be upheld and enforced across all levels of command to ensure much-needed respite for civilians on both sides of the border. It must also facilitate the rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid for civilians wherever they are.
Civilians returning home to southern Lebanon after ceasefire | BBC News
Traffic jams built up on the main highway out of Beirut to southern Lebanon as people queued up to return home.
In photos: Displaced Lebanese celebrate as they return to their homes
A view of Beirut‘s southern suburbs and its surroundings, with smoke rising from Israeli strikes that occurred before the ceasefire
UN welcomes ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that the agreement “can put an end to the violence, destruction and suffering the people of both countries have been experiencing.”
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to fully respect and swiftly implement all of their commitments made under this agreement,” the statement noted.
He also urged the parties to undertake immediate steps towards the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
“The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) both stand ready to support the implementation of this agreement, in line with their respective mandates,” the statement added.
Full text of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon
Announcement of a Cessation of Hostilities and Related Commitments on Enhanced Security Arrangements and Towards the Implementation of UNSCR 1701
After discussions with the governments of the republic of Lebanon (hereinafter „Lebanon“) and the state of Israel (hereinafter „Israel“), the United States of America and France understand that Lebanon and Israel seek a sustainable end to the current escalation of hostilities across the Blue Line and are each prepared to take steps to promote conditions for a permanent and comprehensive solution. These understandings reflect steps to which Israel and Lebanon are committed in order to implement fully UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, recognising that UNSCR 1701 also calls for full implementation of its predecessor UNSC resolutions, including „disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon“, so that the only forces authorised to carry arms in Lebanon will be the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces, Directorate of General Security, General Directorate of State Security, Lebanese Customs and Municipal Police (hereinafter “Lebanon‘s official military and security forces“). To that end, the US and France understand the following…
Israeli cabinet approves Lebanon ceasefire deal with Hezbollah
The truce is expected to go into effect at 10am on Wednesday morning local time.
Israel‘s Netanyahu says he approves Lebanon ceasefire deal with Hezbollah
US and Arab officials told Middle East Eye that under the agreement, Israeli forces will withdraw from south Lebanon.
Hezbollah has agreed to end its armed presence along the border and move heavy weapons north of the Litani River, the sources said.
The Lebanese army is expected to deploy in south Lebanon, with at least 5,000 troops set to patrol the border area along with an existing UN peacekeeping force.