Wed Nov 27 12:50:25 UTC 2024: ## Fragile Peace: Lebanon Ceasefire Raises Doubts After Years of Israeli Violations

**BEIRUT/JERUSALEM** – A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, effective Wednesday, has brought a tentative end to nearly 14 months of conflict. However, skepticism abounds regarding the agreement’s longevity, given Israel’s history of violating ceasefires and its ongoing offensive in Gaza.

The deal, brokered with US involvement, stipulates a 60-day Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, alongside Hezbollah’s retreat from the border region. This mirrors UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which failed to achieve lasting peace after the 2006 Lebanon war. Concerns remain about the Lebanese army’s capacity to defend the border against future Israeli incursions, especially given Israel’s continued violations of Lebanese airspace even before the recent conflict.

The ceasefire announcement followed a surge in Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, a pattern critics say is typical of Israel’s tactics to maximize damage before any truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement reserving the right to “strike decisively” in case of Hezbollah violations further fuels these anxieties.

While US President Joe Biden hailed the ceasefire as a “permanent cessation of hostilities,” many observers remain unconvinced. The author argues that the agreement is essentially a repackaging of Resolution 1701, a resolution that has proven ineffective over the past 18 years. The article points to Israel’s history of using ceasefires to rearm and prepare for future conflicts, citing the use of cluster bombs in 2006 as a prime example.

The agreement’s implementation will be overseen by an international task force, including the US and French peacekeepers, reminiscent of previous deployments that failed to prevent atrocities, like the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The author highlights that the ceasefire in Lebanon allows Israel to focus its military efforts on Gaza, where its offensive continues unabated. The continued US support for Israel, financially and militarily, further fuels concerns about the future of the region. The author concludes that a lasting peace remains elusive as long as the US-Israeli agenda prioritizes other objectives over genuine conflict resolution.

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