(MENAFN) Israel warned on Tuesday that it would resume military action in Lebanon if the ceasefire with Hezbollah fails, expanding its attacks to target the Lebanese state itself. This threat followed some of the bloodiest days since the ceasefire agreement, highlighting a sharp rise in tensions.

In its most serious warning since the truce was brokered to end 14 months of conflict, Israel accused Lebanon of not disarming Hezbollah, which Israel claims violated the ceasefire terms. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stressed that if the war resumes, it would be far-reaching, with Lebanon no longer able to remain separate from the conflict. He explained that Israel had previously kept the Lebanese state apart from Hezbollah's actions, but this would no longer be the case.

Despite the ceasefire last week, Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah fighters, who were allegedly violating the ceasefire by remaining near the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the border. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for bombing an Israeli military site, and Lebanese officials reported at least 12 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, with another person killed on Tuesday in a drone strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any breach of the ceasefire would be met with severe retaliation and emphasized that the truce was still in effect, not the end of the war.

In response, two prominent Lebanese political leaders, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, called on the United States and France to exert pressure on Israel to comply with the ceasefire after repeated Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Mikati confirmed that diplomatic efforts were underway to address Israel's violations. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the possibility of violations but affirmed that the ceasefire was holding. The ceasefire, effective from November 27, requires Israel to cease military operations and for Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah attacks on Israel. It also mandates Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon within 60 days, with a U.S.-led monitoring committee overseeing the agreement’s enforcement, though it has not yet begun its work.

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