Why it matters:
The remarks highlight ongoing tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli frontier, where Israel’s continued military presence and repeated violations risk triggering a renewed conflict despite an existing ceasefire agreement.
The big picture:
Israel launched attacks on Lebanon on October 1, 2024. A ceasefire was reached on December 7 after two months of Israeli aggressions, yet violations by the regime have persisted. Under the agreement, Israeli forces were required to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, conditions that remain unfulfilled.
What he’s saying:
Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament:
“When and where has Israel ever adhered to the ceasefire? This is the very nature of its aggressiveness. “It has been 11 months since the Resistance fired even one bullet, and Lebanon has complied with every commitment under the ceasefire.”
He also dismissed allegations of weapons smuggling to the Lebanese Resistance “by sea, land, or air” as “false and baseless.”
Key points:
- Israel signed the ceasefire on December 7, 2024.
- Israeli forces were obligated to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, but continued to occupy five strategic positions.
- He stressed that Lebanon’s parliamentary elections will take place as scheduled, with no delays or extensions.
State of play:
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces remain entrenched in sensitive areas of southern Lebanon, prompting political and security concerns in Beirut. Lebanon maintains that its side has remained fully committed to the agreement.
Bottom line:
Lebanon says it has upheld the ceasefire, while Israel continues to violate it, heightening fears of renewed escalation along the border.
Hossein Vaez - Mojtaba Darabi
