Hezbollah Violates Terms on First Day of Ceasefire, IDF Responds

On the first day of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers arrested four Hezbollah operatives, including a local commander, in southern Lebanon. The arrests occurred after the suspects entered a restricted area in violation of the ceasefire terms, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the importance of strict enforcement, instructing the IDF to prevent any movement into prohibited zones near the border. “The IDF will continue to act with a heavy hand against any violation of the agreement by Hezbollah,” the PMO stated.

The ceasefire, effective from 4 a.m. Wednesday, aims to end 14 months of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. As part of the agreement, the IDF will gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, while the Lebanese army is expected to take control of the evacuated areas. U.S. and French officials are overseeing compliance.

An Israeli security official told the Associated Press that the withdrawal would proceed in phases, contingent on adherence to the agreement by all parties. “It’s a gradual withdrawal,” the official noted, stressing that the pace depends on effective enforcement mechanisms.

The IDF reported an initial ceasefire violation just hours after it took effect. Soldiers intercepted a vehicle carrying several suspects in a restricted area, opening fire to prevent its advance. The occupants fled, and the incident remains under investigation.

Defense Minister Katz responded to the incident, ordering the IDF to act decisively against any similar breaches. “Hezbollah terrorists must be hit if they enter prohibited areas and endanger Israeli troops,” Katz stated.

Hezbollah has fired over 16,000 rockets, missiles, and drones into Israel since October 2023, displacing nearly 70,000 residents of northern Israel. During “Operation Northern Arrows,” the IDF pushed as far as the Litani River, its deepest reach into Lebanon since 2000.

As IDF forces gradually withdraw, Lebanese government troops are tasked with securing the areas south of the Litani and ensuring Hezbollah’s retreat. The success of the truce will depend on close monitoring by the U.S. and France, with regular updates from military and diplomatic officials.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, and the first day’s arrests underscore the fragility of the agreement. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for continued updates on developments in Israel and Lebanon.