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One month after the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel came into effect on 27 November, tensions remain high as Israel continues to violate Lebanese territory and airspace, using the ceasefire period to advance, demolish, and enter areas previously inaccessible during confrontations with Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, the monitoring committee, tasked with ensuring the agreement's implementation, has been unable to curb these violations. The ceasefire appears to be observed by only Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army.

The 13-article agreement mandates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days, allowing displaced civilians to return. Yet, over 300 Israeli violations have been recorded. In response, Hezbollah conducted a single defensive warning operation on 2 December, targeting Ruwaysat al-Alam in Kfar Shuba. Hezbollah has warned of further action if these breaches persist.

On Thursday, Israeli forces advanced into Wadi al-Hujayr, a Hezbollah stronghold seven kilometers from the border. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, heavy machine guns were used during the incursion, forcing residents of Qantara village to flee.

The Lebanese Army responded by closing access to the area and bolstering its presence. Israeli forces also reportedly abducted Lebanese citizen Houssam Fawaz from Tibnin while en route to his workplace at a UNIFIL base.

In a statement, the Lebanese Army condemned Israeli violations, stating, "The Israeli enemy continues to violate the ceasefire agreement, attack Lebanese sovereignty and citizens, and destroy southern villages and towns."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office denied reports suggesting Israel told Lebanon via mediators it intends to remain in southern Lebanon beyond the ceasefire's 60-day period.

The office stated, "This information is entirely false. The steadfast position conveyed by Prime Minister Mikati to all relevant parties, particularly the United States and France—the sponsors of the ceasefire agreement—underscores the urgent need to pressure the Israeli enemy to withdraw from Lebanese territories it has occupied, halt its violations, and end its aggressive actions."

"Mikati reiterated this stance yesterday during extensive diplomatic and military discussions aimed at ensuring the enemy's withdrawal from Qantara, Adchit, Al-Qusayr, and Wadi al-Hujayr in the south," Mikati added, saying his position was also conveyed during the Five-Nation Security Committee meeting at the Grand Serail last Tuesday.

Israeli drones also continue to violate Lebanese airspace, particularly over southern Lebanon. An airstrike in the Bekaa region marked the first such attack since the ceasefire began.Ìý

The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported 27 deaths and 26 injuries from Israeli airstrikes since 28 November.Ìý

Separately, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun in Riyadh to discuss military cooperation and developments in Lebanon.

General Aoun is a leading candidate for Lebanon’s presidency, with an election scheduled for 9 January.

Is Israel planning to stay in Lebanon?

In a statement on Thursday, the UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon (UNIFIL) urged both parties to utilize the newly-established Mechanism as agreed in the understanding "to address outstanding issues".

UNIFIL urged the timely withdrawal of Israel Forces and deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon and the full implementation of resolution 1701 "as a comprehensive path toward peace" saying it was working closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they accelerate recruitment efforts and redeploy troops to the south.

The international force sai it stands ready to play its role in supporting both countries meet their obligations and monitoring progress, "ensuring the area south of the Litani River is free of any armed personnel, assets or weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL as well as respect for the Blue Line".

The UN force said it is concerned about "continuing destruction by the IDF in residential areas, agricultural land, and road networks in south Lebanon...in violation of resolution 1701".

However, Israeli media reports on Thursday suggested that the Israeli military may remain in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed withdrawal deadline, citing alleged Hezbollah violations.

Senior Israeli officials claim that withdrawal depends on conditions, including the Lebanese Army's deployment along the border and Hezbollah's retreat north of the Litani River.

Israeli forces have prohibited residents from returning to border villages and are constructing military infrastructure in these areas.

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