Following the recent cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, residents on both sides of the conflict assessed the aftermath. In Beirut’s southern suburbs, Ramez Hassan Boustany checked on his home, while in northern Israel, Amichay Bitton inspected damage to his parents’ property. The truce, brokered with U.S. backing, marked a pause in a prolonged and destructive conflict, though tensions and uncertainties lingered.
The cease-fire largely held through its second day on Thursday, despite an Israeli airstrike targeting what it claimed were Hezbollah militants violating the agreement. This strike was the first since the truce began early Wednesday. While both sides exchanged blame for infractions, neither Israel nor Hezbollah appeared eager to resume full-scale hostilities, highlighting a tentative commitment to the truce despite ongoing mistrust.
Cease-Fire Holds Amid Tensions as Israel and Hezbollah Assess Conflict Aftermath
Israel’s military stated that the airstrike aimed at militants near a Hezbollah rocket facility in southern Lebanon, a site linked to recent attacks on Israel. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s army, tasked with helping enforce the cease-fire, accused Israel of multiple violations on Thursday. Hezbollah refrained from immediate comment, maintaining a cautious silence as the cease-fire was tested.
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Israel’s military chief, affirmed a strong stance on enforcing the agreement, emphasizing a readiness to respond to any breaches with force. Israeli forces also claimed to have thwarted militant advances in southern Lebanon. Halevi’s message underscored Israel’s determination to preserve the fragile peace while signaling potential retaliation if terms were undermined.
Despite these incidents, much of the region experienced an unusual calm on Thursday, a stark contrast to the months of intense conflict marked by airstrikes, rocket attacks, and devastation. The relative quiet offered a glimmer of hope for stability, even as the situation remained fraught with challenges and the specter of renewed violence loomed.
