Israel–Lebanon ceasefire at risk as 'incompatible' interpretations emerge

Lebanon and Israel have a “fundamentally incompatible” understanding of the ceasefire agreed on Thursday (16 April), Dr Nouran El-Bayaa has said.

Dr El-Bayaa, a regional security analyst, told AnewZ’s Prime Time that conflicting interpretations over the presence of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon are complicating the 10-day truce.

“Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel view the issue of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon from fundamentally different perspectives. Israel sees their presence as defensive and necessary for its security.

"Hezbollah’s presence, particularly south of the Litani River, is viewed by Israel as a threat. However, Hezbollah and the Lebanese side see Israeli troops in the south as a violation and a direct threat.

“Both sides are operating under fundamentally incompatible understandings of the ceasefire,” she said.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on Thursday and urged the Iran-backed group Hezbollah to abide by it.

Hezbollah signalled a willingness to comply, but warned that Lebanon retains the right to resist the continued presence of Israeli troops in the south.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon for security reasons.

Israel re-entered southern Lebanon in response to missile attacks by Hezbollah in early March.

The Iran-backed group launched the strikes after Israel and the U.S. carried out attacks on Iran on 28 February. Reports from Iranian and regional outlets claimed the strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

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