Netanyahu declares military readiness as Lebanon ceasefire falters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday evening that he has ordered the army to be ready for an "intensive war" in Lebanon if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire. The ceasefire has been in effect since Wednesday, and on Thursday, both sides accused each other of breaching its terms.
- I gave the IDF instructions. If there is a massive violation of the agreement, not only will we operate surgically like we are doing now, and with force, every time. I said, if there is a massive violation of the agreement, I instructed the IDF to prepare for an intensive war - Netanyahu said in an interview with Channel 14.
This was his first media appearance since the announcement of the ceasefire.
Ceasefire is hanging by a thread
Israel carried out a strike on a Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon, claiming that "terrorist activities" were detected there that violated the ceasefire. The Israeli military also fired at several border areas, stating that "suspects," some in vehicles, appeared there, also violating the ceasefire's terms.
Lebanese MP from Hezbollah, Hasan Fadlallah, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by attacking civilians returning to their homes in southern Lebanon.
Chance to end the conflict?
The ceasefire, in effect since Wednesday morning, requires the withdrawal of both Hezbollah fighters and Israeli soldiers from southern Lebanon, with the regular Lebanese army taking control of the area.
Netanyahu also stated that he is ready for a ceasefire in the war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, if it would involve the release of hostages still held by the organisation after the abduction on 7 October 2023. However, he emphasised that he will not agree to end the war.
US President Joe Biden, announcing the ceasefire in Lebanon, stated that the United States will resume efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in the coming days. All previous negotiations on this matter have failed.
Netanyahu on the agreement with Hamas
In Thursday's interview, the Prime Minister assessed that the current conditions are favourable for reaching an agreement with Hamas on the release of the hostages because the group can no longer rely on support from Hezbollah, which had diverted Israel from the war in the south with its attacks.
Netanyahu noted that the conditions in the Gaza Strip and in Lebanon are different. -From day two of the war, Hamas was counting on Hezbollah to fight by its side. With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left on its own. We will increase our pressure on Hamas - said the Prime Minister.
He emphasised that he accepted the ceasefire in Lebanon because at this moment Israel "achieved exactly what we intended to achieve".
