Field developments in southern Lebanon are moving towards a redefinition of engagement rules, with ongoing Israeli military operations despite the announcement of a ceasefire. This escalation reflects a shift from theoretical calm to an open field reality, which is rife with possibilities for escalation and the redefinition of security boundaries.
Field data indicates a rising operational pattern that relies on air and artillery bombardments, in addition to demolishing residential blocks. These operations seem aimed at imposing new realities on the ground that surpass previous agreements and redefine engagement zones.
Details of the Event
Colleague Abdul Qader Arada illustrates through an interactive map that the Israeli army is hinting at expanding its operations in southern Lebanon, driven by a potential political green light. These operations coincide with warnings directed at residents of dozens of villages located within what Israel calls the yellow line, particularly south of the Litani River.
These warnings encompass dozens of towns, while areas like Khiam and Bint Jbeil witness extensive demolition operations, reflecting a trend towards emptying these areas of their life components and geographically and security-wise reshaping them.
Background & Context
These operations coincide with attempts to replicate the Gaza model, where Israel imposes a buffer zone by force. Systematic demolition and destruction operations are repeated in line with a security vision aimed at distancing threats from northern settlements.
The targeting is widely distributed, including southern towns like Deir Ammar and Kherbet Selm, as well as northern areas like Deir Zahani and Kfar Rumman, where the Israeli army announced targeting what it described as rocket launch platforms.
Impact & Consequences
In response, Hezbollah announced the execution of counter-targeting operations that included Israeli military sites and vehicles, as well as the downing of a Hermes 450 drone. This indicates the continuation of military interaction despite what is supposed to be a ceasefire.
Military expert Brigadier General Hassan Jouni believes that what is happening cannot be described as a ceasefire, but is closer to a "control of fire," where Israel continues its operations but within different patterns and levels in terms of scope and depth.
Regional Significance
The escalation of Israeli military operations is linked to a memorandum issued by the U.S. State Department, which granted Israel a wide margin for action under the title of "right to self-defense" without a clear definition of geographical or operational constraints. Israel is exploiting this ambiguity to entrench its security presence in the region.
These movements underscore that the principle of "self-defense," while an intuitive principle in international law, is currently being translated into widespread destruction and assassination operations that do not align with the traditional concept of defense.
In conclusion, it can be said that Lebanon's acceptance of these arrangements came under the pressure of significant military escalation, prompting it to treat the agreement as a forced option to mitigate the severity of attacks.