by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Tensions along Israel’s northern border intensified Wednesday as Israeli forces and Hezbollah exchanged fire, underscoring the fragility of a supposed ceasefire. Israeli military leadership made clear that, on the ground, active combat operations are still underway.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated unequivocally that “there is no ceasefire” in southern Lebanon, emphasizing that Israeli troops remain fully engaged in neutralizing threats posed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group.
Speaking during a visit to Israeli positions in the southern Lebanese town of Taybeh, Zamir said the IDF has established a security line designed to prevent direct attacks on northern Israeli communities. He added that Israeli forces may remain in that zone indefinitely until long-term security is achieved.
“We will not tolerate attacks and fire on our communities, and we will not leave until long-term security for the northern communities is ensured,” Zamir said, reinforcing Israel’s commitment to defend its citizens.
Despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region, hostilities continued. Hezbollah launched two rockets toward Israel’s Upper Galilee on Wednesday, with one intercepted and the other landing in an open area. The IDF labeled the attack a violation of ceasefire understandings.
Meanwhile, Lebanese officials accused Israel of carrying out strikes beyond the designated security zone. The Lebanese Armed Forces reported that a soldier and his brother were killed in a strike in Khirbet Selm, while earlier incidents reportedly left paramedics dead and soldiers wounded during rescue operations.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said his government is working to “consolidate” the ceasefire, though events on the ground suggest a volatile and unresolved conflict.
Zamir stressed that Israeli operations remain unrestricted when it comes to dismantling terror infrastructure and eliminating threats, even beyond the so-called “Yellow Line” and north of the Litani River. However, he noted that, for now, forces are not advancing deeper into Lebanese territory.
The ongoing clashes come amid broader regional tensions, as Israel’s security cabinet convened in Tel Aviv to assess developments tied to both Lebanon and the wider conflict involving Iran.
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