Lebanese Officials Urge US And France To Pressure Israel Over Ceasefire Violations

Top Lebanese officials have called on Washington and Paris to press Israel to adhere to a fragile ceasefire agreement, after a series of military operations in Lebanon that Beirut has deemed violations. The ceasefire, brokered by the US, is now under severe strain, following deadly Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon and Hezbollah rocket launches at an Israeli military post on Monday.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, a key ally of Hezbollah, expressed concerns over the ceasefire’s stability in discussions with officials at the White House and the French presidency late Monday. The officials raised alarms about Israel’s continued military activity in Lebanese territory, which they say violates the terms of the truce.

The ceasefire, which went into effect on November 27, prohibits Israel from conducting offensive military operations in Lebanon, while Lebanon must prevent armed groups like Hezbollah from attacking Israel. Under the deal, Israeli forces are required to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, the US-led monitoring mechanism responsible for verifying and enforcing the truce has yet to begin its operations.

Berri has reported at least 54 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, urging the monitoring committee to act quickly. He warned that without swift action, the truce could collapse. Meanwhile, Israeli officials maintain that their military operations in Lebanon are aimed at enforcing the ceasefire and do not violate its terms.

The situation escalated on Monday, with Israeli strikes killing at least 12 people in Lebanon, marking the deadliest day since the ceasefire was established. The strikes, which targeted towns in southern Lebanon, have further undermined confidence in the truce, putting increased pressure on international mediators to ensure compliance from both sides.