Israel-Hezbollah Tensions
Why is Israel maintaining its military presence in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement?
Israel has decided to maintain its presence at five strategic positions along the Lebanon border, despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that required full withdrawal by February 18. These locations, situated on high ground overlooking Lebanese territory, are considered vital to Israel's security. Prime Minister Netanyahu justified this decision by insisting that Israel will do whatever necessary to enforce the ceasefire, even though the original agreement stipulated that Lebanon's military and UN peacekeepers would take control of the region after Israeli withdrawal.
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WION
03:53 - 04:53
What has resulted from the Israeli troops' withdrawal from Lebanon under the ceasefire deadline?
The Israeli withdrawal has enabled displaced residents to return to their border villages after more than a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Many of these returning residents are encountering devastated communities, with homes and infrastructure reduced to rubble after the prolonged hostilities. This pullout marks a significant shift in the regional conflict dynamics, though the situation remains tense. The withdrawal has created an opportunity for civilians to begin assessing the extensive damage and start the difficult process of rebuilding their communities along the border area.
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WION
00:00 - 00:14
What steps are being taken by Lebanon to address Israel's incomplete withdrawal from border villages?
Lebanese leaders are actively pressing Israel for a complete withdrawal from the region, with President Joseph Ohne engaging truce brokers the US and France to facilitate Israel's full exit. The Lebanese government has deemed the incomplete pullout a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. In response to Israel maintaining presence in five locations, Lebanese authorities plan to escalate the matter to the UN Security Council, seeking formal intervention to compel Israel's complete withdrawal. The UN has already flagged the partial withdrawal as a violation, strengthening Lebanon's diplomatic position as they pursue full Israeli compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)WION
00:35 - 01:13
What are the conditions for Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanon according to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar?
According to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanon is contingent upon Lebanon implementing its side of the ceasefire agreement. This development comes at a significant time, preceding the funeral of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his chosen successor, Hashim Safiyeddin. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27 last year as part of Israel's escalated military campaign against Hezbollah. The timing of the withdrawal and ceasefire negotiations reflects the complex dynamics in Lebanese-Israeli relations following this major shift in Hezbollah's leadership.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)WION
01:49 - 02:11
What has been the impact of Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon on displaced residents?
The Israeli pullout has allowed many displaced residents to return to their devastated border villages after more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. However, returning Lebanese have found total destruction upon their arrival, with their homes and communities reduced to rubble. The withdrawal has also enabled emergency services to access previously inaccessible areas. Lebanon's civil defense has recovered 23 bodies from border towns following the withdrawal, highlighting the grim humanitarian toll of the conflict that had prevented proper recovery efforts until now.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)WION
00:05 - 00:30
What are the circumstances surrounding Hassan Nasrallah's death and what impact is it having on Lebanon?
Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024, as part of Israel's escalated campaign against Hezbollah. His death represents a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant group. The impact of Nasrallah's death continues to affect daily life in Lebanon, with Beirut Airport scheduled to close for four hours on Sunday to accommodate his funeral proceedings. This closure occurs against the backdrop of Israeli troop withdrawals from Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement, while the Lebanese government continues to push for a complete Israeli pullout from what they consider occupied territory.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)WION
02:04 - 02:16