Israel strikes Hezbollah command centres in southern Lebanon
Jerusalem, June 29
The Israeli Defence Force said Monday that it has struck three Hezbollah command centres in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire agreement.
It also said that Israeli forces struck and dismantled a launcher used by Hezbollah.
In an earlier statement, the IDF said it had destroyed an underground Hezbollah tunnel in southwestern Lebanon, Xinhua news agency reported.
The tunnel, more than 200 metres long and 25 metres deep, contained hundreds of weapons and several launch shafts allegedly intended for attacks on Israeli territory and civilians, the military said.
Incidents between Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite a US-mediated framework agreement signed Friday between Israel and Lebanon.
On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the US-mediated framework agreement signed on Friday between Israel and Lebanon paves the way to ending the conflict and eventually reaching a peace agreement between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that "this agreement strengthens Israel and Lebanon, and weakens Iran and Hezbollah. This is a sign of things to come."
He added that under the agreement, the United States and Lebanon recognise Israel's right to maintain the "security zone" in southern Lebanon as long as it is necessary for Israel's security.
He stated that the Israeli military will continue to hold the "security zone" until Hezbollah and other "terror" organisations are disarmed.
Netanyahu noted that the framework agreement includes two areas near the northern boundary of the security zone, recommended by the Israeli military, where a pilot programme will be launched to dismantle Hezbollah and transfer the area to the control of the Lebanese army.
He claimed that Israel has killed more than 9,000 Hezbollah militants since the start of the war and destroyed about 90 per cent of the group's stockpile of 150,000 missiles and rockets.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Israel and Lebanon had reached a framework agreement for "lasting peace and security."
The agreement, signed at the end of the latest round of ambassador-level talks in Washington, DC, called again for the implementation of a fragile ceasefire between the two nations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Not surprised. Hezbollah's tunnel network is extensive, and Israel's security concerns are valid. But a 'security zone' with no end date? That sounds like occupation, not peace. We need genuine stability, not more divisions.
As an Indian, I feel our historical position of supporting Palestine while also engaging with Israel (since 1992) is sensible. This conflict is complex, but Israel's right to defend itself and Lebanon's sovereignty both matter. The US mediation is concerning though — too one-sided.
9,000 militants killed? That's a big number if true. But wars don't end without addressing root causes. Netanyahu's '87 game plan sounds familiar — more of the same. Disarming Hezbollah is necessary, but a unilateral zone is asking for trouble. 🙏 for peace!
India should take a lesson here: never rely on external mediators who have their own interests. This 'framework agreement' seems like a recipe for more violence. We see similar dynamics in Kashmir — security zones only breed resentment. Time for genuine diplomacy.
Not surprised that tunnels and missiles are being dismantled, but civilian casualties must be avoided. Netanyahu's claim of 'lasting peace' while continuing strikes is contradictory. India supports UN resolutions on this issue. Let's hope the Lebanese army can actually take control. 🌍
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