Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to carry out attacks in Lebanon. Attacks are occurring almost daily in southern Lebanon, resulting in a disproportionately high number of civilian casualties. Hezbollah has declared that it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon. Israel seeks to disarm Hezbollah, but it has failed to do so. Lebanon’s Hezbollah is unlike other rebel groups elsewhere in the world; it enjoys popular support and plays an active role within the Lebanese government.
Hezbollah supporters believe the group is essential for protecting them against Israeli aggression. Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated that they would not surrender their weapons; they will continue to fight as long as Lebanon remains subject to aggression by occupiers and the Israeli threat persists. As the ceasefire remains ineffective, ordinary citizens continue to lose their lives. Direct talks between Hezbollah and Israel are scheduled to take place in the United States.
Although several rounds of dialogue have been held previously, they failed to halt the fighting. Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim group, is backed by Iran. Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel following an incident in which Israel—with U.S. involvement—killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since the outbreak of the conflict, Israel has killed 2,800 people; of these, 400 were killed during the ceasefire period.
