Israel has initiated a limited ground operation into Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's repeated attempts to infiltrate Israel from the north, violating the 2006 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The resolution, which calls for a permanent ceasefire and an end to hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, stipulates that Hezbollah forces must withdraw north of the Litani River in Lebanon, with only the Lebanese military holding positions in the border area.
An Israeli security official highlighted that Hezbollah's actions pose a direct threat to Israeli civilians, with strongholds established along the Israeli border. The official emphasized that these incursions by Hezbollah are clear violations of Resolution 1701 and have been ongoing for years.
Israel's ground operation aims to create a safe environment for residents in northern Israel, urging the international community to address Hezbollah's violations of the UN resolution. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed concern over the Israeli military's incursions into Lebanon, emphasizing that any such operation would breach Resolution 1701 and Lebanese sovereignty.
UNIFIL called for de-escalation and warned against further violence and bloodshed resulting from incursions into Lebanon. The peacekeeping force stressed the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of Lebanon and the provisions outlined in Resolution 1701.
