Israel’s army launched airstrikes on several locations in Lebanon in retaliation for a rocket attack, sparking concern about the ceasefire’s stability. Tens of thousands of Israelis protested the government’s failure to negotiate a hostage deal and its move to fire the head of the country’s internal security service. Israel carried out airstrikes in Lebanon, killing six people, including a child, in the heaviest exchange of fire since the Hezbollah ceasefire began four months ago. Israel instructed the army to respond forcefully against dozens of targets in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged the military to take necessary measures but expressed a desire to avoid a return to war.
The ceasefire with Hezbollah was endangered by Israel’s airstrikes, with concerns raised about potential escalation of violence in the region. The conflict began after Hamas’ attack out of Gaza in 2023, leading to a war with over 4,000 casualties in Lebanon and displacement of thousands of Israelis. Israeli forces remained in Lebanese territories despite ceasefire agreements and continued airstrikes on Hezbollah targets. The United Nations has been called upon to pressure Israel to withdraw fully from Lebanon, and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon has urged parties to avoid jeopardizing progress made towards peace. Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of at least nine people, including children, prompting condemnation from the international community.
The hostilities have intensified as Hamas has refused to release hostages held by the group, leading to Israeli airstrikes with escalating intensity in both Lebanon and Gaza. Israel’s military has planned further assaults in Gaza neighborhoods and cut off essential supplies to pressure Hamas into ceasefire negotiations. The attacks in Gaza have resulted in significant civilian casualties, drawing criticism from international observers. The renewed conflict follows the initial 2023 attack by Hamas, which led to the deaths of over 1,200 people and hostage-taking. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has caused thousands of Palestinian casualties, with claims of significant militant casualties and civilian deaths.
In response to the government’s failure to negotiate a hostage deal and the dismissal of the Shin Bet chief, tens of thousands of Israelis protested, calling for new elections. The Supreme Court ordered a temporary halt to the chief’s dismissal, with the attorney general ruling that the Cabinet had no legal basis for the firing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the Shin Bet chief would not remain in his position, citing a loss of confidence predating the investigation into illicit ties. Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned of a tax rebellion and general strike if the government defied the court ruling, emphasizing the need for democratic principles to be upheld in Israel. The political turmoil in Israel has added to the challenges faced in managing the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, raising concerns about the country’s stability and future direction.
