The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, which began on November 26, continues to hold, with no ground combat reported between the two sides, although there have been some limited air strikes. Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem publicly acknowledged the cessation of hostilities on November 29, declaring the group’s commitment to the agreement “with our heads held high.”
Qassem highlighted that the ceasefire terms include a full withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon by January 25, 2025, though the IDF maintains a presence in the area to address potential violations.
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have initiated post-war operations throughout the country, focusing on clearing roads, dismantling unexploded ordinance, and establishing security checkpoints. These efforts are concentrated in southern Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon.
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The LAF began deploying forces, including armored units, to southern Lebanon on November 27, one day after the ceasefire went into effect. Qassem stated that Hezbollah would engage in “high-level coordination” with the LAF to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire.
Despite the ceasefire, the IDF conducted targeted airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The strikes included an attack on a rocket launcher at a Hezbollah site in Bisariya, near Sidon, after Israeli forces detected what was described as a “non-immediate threat.”
Additional strikes targeted two individuals moving rocket launchers at another Hezbollah site. U.S. intelligence reportedly assessed that Hezbollah was attempting to relocate rockets to new locations, prompting the IDF’s actions. The Lebanese Armed Forces accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through these strikes.
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The IDF has been actively working to deter displaced individuals from returning to southern Lebanon, citing security concerns.
An IDF drone conducted a “warning” strike to prevent vehicles from approaching the Markaba area, while shelling near al Wazzani appeared aimed at dissuading movement in the vicinity. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has stated that its fighters who reside in southern Lebanon will remain in the region, retaining their small arms.
The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the terms of the ceasefire, while international observers closely monitor compliance and ongoing military activity.
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