Lebanon Conflict
What did Benjamin Netanyahu say about the ceasefire with Hezbollah?
When the ceasefire with Hezbollah came into effect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly stated that it didn't signal an end to the conflict with Hezbollah, indicating his view that hostilities would continue despite the formal agreement. Following this declaration, Israeli military operations have persisted, with strikes targeting what the Israeli army describes as 'Hezbollah's assets.' This ongoing military activity demonstrates the practical implementation of Netanyahu's position that the ceasefire represents only a pause rather than a resolution to the broader conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)How are Lebanese families responding to returning to their war-torn villages?
Lebanese families returning to their war-torn villages are displaying a mixture of shock, disbelief, and defiance. Despite finding their communities destroyed, residents express a profound determination to return home, emphasizing that what matters most is reclaiming their land and seeing the Israeli forces withdraw. Their resilience is captured in statements highlighting that returning home, regardless of the destruction, represents an important victory. This defiant homecoming occurs even as they confront the sobering reality of unrecognizable villages lacking basic infrastructure, demonstrating their commitment to rebuilding their lives despite the devastating aftermath of conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)What happened to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah regarding Lebanese families returning to their border villages?
Lebanese families were supposed to return to their villages near the border in late January following a ceasefire agreement that ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in November. The agreement was intended to allow displaced residents to go back to their homes along the border region. However, Israel delayed its military pullout until Tuesday, preventing families from returning as scheduled. This delay extended the displacement period for Lebanese villagers who had been forced to flee during the prolonged 14-month conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)How is the Lebanese government responding to the continued presence of Israeli troops after the ceasefire?
The Lebanese government views the continued presence of Israeli troops in hilltop positions inside Lebanon as an occupation, despite Israel claiming these positions are necessary to guard against ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. In response, the Lebanese government plans to file a formal complaint to the UN Security Council. The government accuses Israel of "turning a blind eye to their obligations" and "dishonoring all its promises" related to the ceasefire agreement. This diplomatic approach highlights the tensions that persist in southern Lebanon even after the formal cessation of hostilities.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)What is the Lebanese Army's role in southern Lebanon after the conflict with Hezbollah?
The Lebanese Army has taken charge of the southern region following the 14-month conflict with Hezbollah and Israeli withdrawal. Their primary responsibility includes pushing back Hezbollah fighters and disarming them, which represents a significant challenge for Lebanon's governance structures. This military presence marks an important shift as the Lebanese state attempts to reestablish authority in an area where it has been historically absent. The army's role is crucial for restoring stability and security as Lebanese families return to find their devastated villages while the region remains under Israeli drone surveillance.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)How has the conflict with Israel affected the villages and lives of returning Lebanese families in places like Kfarkila?
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, many returning families find their villages completely unrecognizable with much of their lives effectively erased. The report highlights Kfarkila as one of the areas most severely impacted by the conflict, having suffered intense fighting and bombardment. Residents returning home are confronted with devastating destruction that has transformed their communities beyond recognition. The physical damage represents not just structural loss but the erasure of their personal histories and community landmarks, making the return particularly traumatic as they attempt to rebuild their lives amid the ruins.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)