Israel, Lebanon accuse each other of violating ceasefire deal
NBCNOV 29 2024
Israeli Strikes in South Lebanon After Hezbollah Mortar Fire
Above: Staff members of the Amel Association, a Lebanese NGO, look out their damaged branch at buildings destroyed or damaged in an Israeli strike, in Beirut's southern suburbs Hay el-Sellom neighborhood on Dec. 2, 2024. Image copyright: Anwar Amro/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Now that quiet has been found on the Lebanese-Israeli border, the US will continue to work toward a cease-fire in Gaza that ensures the release of Israeli hostages and the end of Hamas' rule over the Palestinian enclave. The Biden admin. worked hard to cement this deal that allows displaced Israelis and Lebanese to return home.
Pro-Israel narrative
Hezbollah is testing Israel's limits. The terror group continues to violate the cease-fire, forcing Israel to respond. Indeed, Israel has been clear that it will not accept a return to the status quo in South Lebanon. International partners should pressure Hezbollah, not Israel, to stop pushing the boundaries of the agreement.
Pro-Palestine narrative
The reason this cease-fire passed was because Israel was failing to achieve its goals in Lebanon and Netanyahu decided it is better to focus on the genocide in Gaza. Israel is seeking to clear northern Gaza of its population to make way for settlements. Israel's traditional secular elite may be unhappy that the war in Lebanon is over, but the new settler elite is eager for the prospects of resettlement and an indefinite occupation of Gaza.
Narrative D
Hezbollah has responded to Israeli violations of the cease-fire with restraint, only seeking to warn Israel that it will respond to cease-fire violations. Israeli forces continue to target Lebanese civilians and the Lebanese army, fundamentally breaking aspects of the agreement. Hezbollah's patience may run out.