Jea Nicole 

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged accusations of breaching the ceasefire deal intended to end the 13-month border conflict, as civilians returning to their communities along the Israeli-Lebanese border faced attacks on November 28.   

Photo Courtesy of CNN.

The Israeli military had reported that “terrorist activity was identified in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon,” adding that “the threat was thwarted” by its air force.

Israel added that it fired on "suspects" in vehicles arriving at multiple locations in the southern zone, accusing them of violating the truce with Hezbollah which took effect on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese army claimed that Israel had violated the ceasefire multiple times.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah told reporters that Israel was attacking people returning to border villages. "There are violations today by Israel, even in this form,” he said. 

According to Lebanese security sources and Al Jadeed broadcaster, Israel's airstrike hit near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River, wounding two people in a border village.

The United States and France negotiated the ceasefire deal to end the conflict, which took place alongside the Gaza war.  

The ceasefire agreement mandates the dismantling of unauthorized military facilities south of the Litani River, but does not address facilities to the north.

"Any deviation from this agreement will be enforced with fire," said Herzi Halevi, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to be ready for heavy fighting if the ceasefire is breached.

"We are enforcing powerfully," he said, adding that he had directed the IDF to prepare for intense warfare if the ceasefire is violated.  

Displaced Lebanese families near the southern border have attempted to return and check on their properties. However, Israeli troops are still stationed in towns within Lebanon.

Netanyahu initiated an offensive against Hezbollah, insisting that Israelis in the north should be allowed to return to their homes after being evacuated because of rocket fire from Lebanon.

Around 60,000 people evacuated from northern areas have not yet been told when they can return. 

Hezbollah has stated that its fighters are fully prepared to respond to attacks from Israel, and that they will closely monitor its withdrawal from Lebanon "with their hands on the trigger".

Since October 2023, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have resulted in at least 3,961 deaths and 16,520 injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. These numbers do not separate civilians from combatants.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces have up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, with both sides prohibited from launching offensive actions during this time.