Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Israeli army carried out extensive demolition operations on Saturday evening, targeting several residential homes in the towns of Al-Khiyam, Markaba, and Ett Taibe in southern Lebanon, in a notable field escalation despite the ceasefire agreement being in effect. These military moves raise questions about the resilience of the truce, which entered into force only a few days ago. Accordingly, the Lebanon ceasefire breach represents a significant challenge to diplomatic efforts aimed at calming the northern front and preventing the region from sliding into a comprehensive and continuous confrontation.
Systematic Demolitions and Artillery Shelling Reaching the Litani Basin
Local sources and eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces detonated houses in the town of Al-Khiyam before expanding operations to residential neighborhoods in Markaba and Ett Taibe. Obviously, the artillery shelling did not stop there, but also targeted the outskirts of Deir Siriane and the riverbeds opposite Zoutar al-Charkieh. As a result, a state of panic prevails among local residents who attempted to inspect their properties during the truce period, amid fears of turning these areas into closed security zones that prevent the safe return of displaced persons.
Entrances Blocked by Earthen Berms and Rising Field Violations
In a related context, Israeli forces tightened their field measures by closing all entrances to the town of Al-Khiyam using earthen berms and logistical obstacles to permanently prevent entry. Certainly, the continued artillery shelling of the towns of Beit Yahoun and Kounine puts the declared 10-day truce at stake, as field reports agree that these actions constitute explicit violations of the agreement that took effect at midnight Thursday. Accordingly, the Lebanon ceasefire breach remains the primary headline of the current field situation, awaiting international and local reactions to this escalation.
