Lebanon-Israel Tension: Will a Fragile Truce Hold?
Despite the recent announcement of a ceasefire, tensions remain high along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
While both sides have expressed their commitment to the ceasefire to the White House, numerous violations have been reported, raising concerns about the truce’s longevity.
Retired Brigadier General Naji Malaeb believes that Israel was pressured into the ceasefire, owing largely to American intervention and the threat of halting arms shipments. He suggests that Israel doesn’t intend to relinquish control,
seeking to leverage the situation for strategic gains.
Malaeb points to ongoing Israeli bombing campaigns targeting homes in southern Lebanon and poking holes in the ceasefire agreement, undisguised attempts, according to experts, andimed at manipulating the “reality on the ground.”
Grassroots sentiment echoes this assessment, with anxieties running high, fueled
especially by the implicit threat.
In an eerie parallel to previous Israeli incursions, the border area is marred by disturbances, further fueling Western attempts to define the lines in the sand.
In an interview with , Malaeb elucidates a disturbing pattern, labeling the Israeli actions as attempts to establish a buffer zone, paving the way for a redrawing of boundaries and a subjugation of Hezbollah.
He believes that these strategies underscore Israel’s increasing boldness, aimed at dictating terms to international malleable players by posing as a perpetual mediator and demanding concessions, utilizing its “friend” status with the US and France to maintain control of the narrative.
Malaeb insists that these violations are not simply localized escalation. He believes that the recent Israeli operations are designed to pressure the Lebanese army to expose Hezbollah’s locations. In essence, Israeli tactics boil down to coercion of a power balance in their favour under the guise of stability choices to solidify their position in a manner highly nuanced, but with Las Vegas-like stakes for Lebanon.
The fragile balance hangs more precariously as the US throws its
weight behind a land swap, hinting at major territorial concessions – a prospect few Lebanese are eager to embrace. The potential for unraveling the delicate fabric of the truce, pinning the future of the region on the brute force tactics
of The dangerous heft these matters have
tinged with the Fire and Fine.
What are the potential strategic objectives that Israel might be pursuing through its continued airstrikes despite the ceasefire?
# Lebanon-Israel Tension: Will a Fragile Truce Hold?
**(Intro music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Tensions remain high along the Lebanese-Israeli border, despite recent announcements of a ceasefire. With us today is retired Brigadier General Naji Malaeb, a seasoned observer of the conflict. General Malaeb, thank you for joining us.
**General Malaeb:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** While both sides say they’re committed to the ceasefire, reports of violations are emerging. What’s your assessment of the situation?
**General Malaeb:** The ceasefire is indeed fragile. I believe Israel was pressured into it, largely due to American intervention and the potential halt of arms shipments. However, I don’t think they intend to relinquish control. This feels more like a tactical pause than a genuine commitment to peace.
**Host:** You mentioned Israeli airstrikes continuing despite the truce. Can you elaborate on this?
**General Malaeb:** Absolutely. We’re seeing reports of Israeli bombing campaigns targeting homes in southern Lebanon [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/world/middleeast/israel-hezbollah-cease-fire-violations.html)]. This suggests they’re seeking to leverage the situation for strategic gains, potentially aiming to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities.
**Host:** So, what are the prospects for a lasting peace?
**General Malaeb:** Unfortunately, the outlook is uncertain. The underlying issues that fuel this conflict remain unresolved. Without addressing these root causes, any ceasefire will likely be temporary.
**Host:** General Malaeb, thank you for your insightful analysis.
**(Outro Music)**