Israel Defies Trump's Ceasefire, Continues Military Operations in Lebanon
Israel has declared that its military operations in Lebanon will persist despite a ceasefire announcement by former US President Donald Trump, directly contradicting statements from Pakistan and Iran. The Israeli military confirmed ongoing strikes and issued warnings to civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate targeted areas.
Contradictory Statements on Ceasefire Scope
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Trump's two-week pause "does not include Lebanon", amid reports of continued artillery and drone strikes. This conflicts with claims by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who announced an immediate ceasefire "everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere", following mediation efforts involving Iran and the US.
Israel expressed support for Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, contingent on Tehran opening the Strait of Hormuz and halting regional attacks. However, Israeli officials have consistently emphasized that Lebanon is considered a separate conflict, with Netanyahu telling Israel's security cabinet that a ceasefire with Iran would not extend to Lebanon.
Ongoing Military Actions and Civilian Impact
On Wednesday morning, an Israeli military spokesperson confirmed operations against Hezbollah were continuing, advising people in southern Lebanon to move north of the Zahrani River. Strikes have been reported in locations such as Tyre and Saida, where a car bombing killed eight people and wounded 22, according to the Lebanese ministry of health.
Additional incidents include artillery fire in southern Lebanon and drone strikes on Qana and al-Qleileh. Hezbollah has not responded overnight, but Lebanese sources indicate the group is expected to issue a formal statement on the ceasefire and Netanyahu's assertions.
Diplomatic Tensions and Domestic Criticism
Signs emerged that wider diplomatic talks, mediated in Pakistan between the US and Iran, concluded without Israel's immediate input. Trump informed Netanyahu of his ceasefire decision shortly before the public announcement. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu, calling it a "political disaster" and noting Israel's absence from key security discussions.
The conflict has severely impacted Lebanon, with over 1,500 fatalities, many civilians, and more than 1.1 million people forcibly displaced. Highways were congested as residents attempted to return home, though Hezbollah advised against it due to ongoing Israeli troop presence. Social media platforms like WhatsApp were flooded with anxious messages as Lebanese citizens sought clarity on the ceasefire's applicability.
Air raids on Israel ceased around 3:30 am, approximately 40 minutes after Sharif's announcement, with no further attacks reported since. The situation remains volatile as international efforts to de-escalate continue amidst Israel's firm stance on Lebanon.
