اردو 
Israeli Military Forces Iranian Airliner to Divert from Syrian Airspace
The interception was reportedly prompted by suspicions that the aircraft was carrying arms for Hezbollah
A New Era of Coordination
In a significant development following the recent ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, announced his commitment to collaborate closely with the Lebanese army to enforce the truce. This announcement came during Qassem's first televised address since the ceasefire took effect, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over a year. Qassem expressed optimism about the cooperation, stating he did not foresee any "problems or disagreement" with the Lebanese army, which is set to deploy to southern Lebanon as part of the ceasefire terms.
Strengthening Lebanon's Defense
Qassem emphasized the importance of enhancing Lebanon's defensive capabilities, asserting that Hezbollah would remain vigilant to prevent any exploitation of the country's vulnerabilities. He stated, “The resistance will be ready to prevent the enemy from taking advantage of Lebanon’s weakness along with our partners … first and foremost the army.” This statement underscores Hezbollah's dual approach of seeking peace while remaining prepared for potential conflict, reflecting a complex dynamic in the region.
The Lebanese army has already begun deploying troops to the south and is formulating a detailed plan to present to the Lebanese cabinet. This deployment is crucial as it aligns with the US-brokered ceasefire, which stipulates that Israeli forces must withdraw within 60 days, a timeline that could affect the Lebanese army's larger deployment strategy.
Tensions Persist Despite Ceasefire
Despite the ceasefire's implementation, tensions remain high. The Israeli military has imposed restrictions on civilians returning to border villages and has engaged in military actions that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese army have condemned as violations of the truce. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have fired upon civilians and conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions, further complicating the fragile peace. Al Jazeera's correspondent reported incidents of gunfire directed at civilians and artillery bombardments, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region.
Claims of Victory and Resilience
In his address, Qassem proclaimed a "divine victory" for Hezbollah, asserting that the group's achievements in the current conflict surpass those of the 2006 war with Israel. He noted the significant casualties and displacements caused by Israeli actions while claiming that Hezbollah had inflicted heavy losses on Israeli forces. “To those that were betting that Hezbollah would be weakened, we are sorry, their bets have failed,” he declared, reinforcing the group's narrative of resilience and strength.
International Oversight and Ongoing Challenges
As part of the ceasefire agreement, American and French officials have arrived in Beirut to monitor its implementation, meeting with Lebanese army representatives to discuss the situation. However, the Israeli military continues to issue evacuation orders to Lebanese civilians near the border, complicating the return to normalcy for many affected communities. An analysis by Al Jazeera revealed that Israeli warnings have extended to villages that had previously been unaffected by the conflict, raising concerns about the broader implications of the ceasefire.
The Human Cost of Conflict
The toll of the conflict has been devastating, with Lebanese health authorities reporting nearly 4,000 deaths and over 16,000 injuries since the fighting escalated in October 2023. The Israeli military claims to have targeted over 12,500 Hezbollah positions during its operations, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. As the ceasefire holds, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and addressing the humanitarian crisis that has emerged from this prolonged conflict.
In conclusion, while the ceasefire presents an opportunity for peace and cooperation between Hezbollah and the Lebanese army, the underlying tensions and recent military actions indicate that the path to lasting stability in the region remains fraught with challenges.
