January 06, 2025
By Nasser Kandil
The situation in southern Lebanon presents a stark contrast between two conflicting realities. On one side, Israel repeatedly declares its intention to forgo withdrawing from Lebanese territories by the end of the 60-day ceasefire period outlined in the agreement. Israeli violations persist around the clock across a border strip extending five kilometers deep along the entire frontier.
On the other side, the resistance appears fully prepared to confront the occupation. According to Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, the resistance stands ready to act, whether before or after the deadline. Wafic Safa, head of Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Unit, further asserts that the resistance has regained its strength and full capabilities.
This raises pressing questions about the future of the situation in the south, including the possibility of renewed war should Israeli violations continue or if Israel acts on its declared intent to remain in the area.
In light of the resistance’s explicit readiness to confront any occupation forces, the Israeli military has begun reassessing its position. Past confrontations with the resistance have not favoured the occupation forces, which failed to secure significant advances along the border and suffered substantial losses in personnel, officers, and equipment.
The latest statements by Israel’s Defense Minister, Yisrael Katz, warrant close attention. Katz initially advocated continuing the war until the resistance is disarmed. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later clarified this stance, stating that the objective is merely to push the resistance north of the Litani River.
Katz has since declared that the Israeli military will not withdraw from southern Lebanon unless Hezbollah retreats north of the Litani and the Lebanese Army dismantles any Hezbollah military infrastructure in the region. This condition, however, essentially aligns with the existing agreement, as Hezbollah has publicly committed to this withdrawal. Sheikh Naim Qassem recently reaffirmed this commitment.
This suggests that Israel is carefully calculating the potential consequences of reigniting hostilities with the resistance, while the resistance has fully restored its readiness and vitality for any future confrontation.
