An Israeli drone strike in Khiam, Lebanon, killed one and injured two on December 12, following an Israeli military withdrawal. The Lebanese Armed Forces began operations to clear the area for civilian entry while urging caution. Tensions remain high, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah responses despite a ceasefire aimed at stabilizing the region.
On December 12, an Israeli drone strike in Khiam, southern Lebanon, resulted in one fatality and two injuries, coinciding with the Israeli military’s withdrawal from the area as Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) began clearing debris for civilian access. Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) confirmed the drone attack, marking a tense emergence from hostilities following a ceasefire agreement intended to stabilize the region. The LAF has urged citizens to stay away from Khiam until official notice permits their return.
The Israeli troops’ exit from Khiam occurred just one day prior. Despite this, numerous Israeli forces remain stationed in various regions of southern Lebanon. A total withdrawal must occur within 60 days post the ceasefire that formalized on November 27, in accordance with United Nations Resolution 1701, which stipulates that Lebanese troops dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in the area.
The ceasefire agreement restricts the flow of arms into Lebanon and prohibits renovation efforts by Hezbollah to replenish its armaments. Nevertheless, a tripartite monitoring mechanism involving the United States, France, and UNIFIL has failed to prevent Israeli retaliatory actions or hold it accountable for persistent airstrikes since the ceasefire. Hezbollah has engaged in limited retaliatory measures, including rocket attacks, which have prompted Israeli military responses, further complicating the region’s stability.
Recent incidents prior to the drone strike included airstrikes in southern Lebanon that led to civilian casualties, reinforcing fears regarding potential escalations in violence. Hezbollah’s leadership has emphasized their commitment to the ceasefire, despite recurrent violations from Israel.
Overall, the situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile, fraught with the threat of renewed military confrontations, particularly as monitoring and allegations of violations continue to dominate the discourse between Israel and Lebanon.
The backdrop of the current tensions between Israel and Lebanon is a recent ceasefire agreement instated on November 27, aimed at ensuring stability in the region following a period of increased violence. UN Resolution 1701 serves as a legal foundation for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the consequent deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon, with strict guidelines regarding the dismantling of military infrastructures. The ongoing monitoring mechanism has not successfully mitigated the pattern of violations, leading to a precarious situation for civilians in the affected areas.
In summary, the recent Israeli drone strike in Khiam reflects ongoing tensions and unresolved conflicts within the region following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The terms of the ceasefire, including arms limitation and infrastructure dismantlement, remain largely unobserved, compounding fears of further escalation. Both Lebanese and Israeli parties must navigate this delicate environment, balancing security concerns with the necessity of establishing credible communication channels to prevent future hostilities.
Original Source: thecradle.co
