Lebanon Speaker Accuses Israel Of Violating Ceasefire

Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah 54 times since it came into effect on November 27. Berri called these actions “flagrant violations” and urged international bodies to intervene.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, ended weeks of conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border, a spillover from the Gaza war that has claimed thousands of lives.

Alleged Violations by Israel

Berri highlighted several alleged Israeli actions:

• Destruction of Border Homes: Reports claim Israeli forces demolished homes in Lebanese border villages.
• Drone Overflights: Lebanese airspace is reportedly being violated by Israeli drones, escalating tensions.
• Airstrikes Causing Casualties:
  • December 2: An Israeli drone strike in Jdeidet Marjayoun killed one person, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
  • December 2: In Bint Jbeil province, another strike injured one individual, per the National News Agency.
  • November 30: Two were killed in an airstrike on Marjayoun province.

Additionally, on December 2, an Israeli drone targeted a Lebanese army bulldozer in Hermel, injuring a soldier, according to the Lebanese army.

Lebanon’s Response

Berri has called on the technical committee monitoring the ceasefire to take urgent action, urging it to pressure Israel to cease its alleged violations and withdraw from Lebanese territories. He emphasized that both Lebanon and Hezbollah have adhered to the truce terms.

International Reaction

The ceasefire agreement was widely welcomed internationally. U.S. President Joe Biden and French officials played pivotal roles in mediating the truce. Biden confirmed communication with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Israel, however, claims it reserves the right to respond to any perceived violations under the ceasefire agreement.