The National News Agency reported on Wednesday that heavy fighting erupted as Israeli forces attempted to advance along the Tayr Harfa-Majdal Zoun axis and the Ain ez Zarqa axis, heading toward Chamaa and Biyyadah in South Lebanon.
Lübnan Marunîleri / Yasin Atlıoğlu
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Yedioth Ahronoth publishes ceasefire draft agreement discussed in Lebanon - LBC
Following U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein's visit to Beirut, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth published a ceasefire draft agreement discussed in Lebanon.
The draft agreement reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire trial period during which Hezbollah would withdraw beyond the Litani River. The Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces would then be deployed in southern Lebanon.
The agreement also stated that if the ceasefire holds, the Israeli army would then withdraw from southern Lebanon.
If the parties reach an agreement, Washington is expected to announce the start of the ceasefire, marking the beginning of the implementation phase. This would test whether Hezbollah retreats beyond the Litani and if the Lebanese Army takes over southern Lebanon.
Moreover, a monitoring committee involving the UK, Germany, France, and others will be formed.
Lastly, the deal reportedly included that Israel has retained the right to enforce the ceasefire and maintain operational freedom if violations occur by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah says fired 'guided missiles' at Israeli troops near border - Naharnet
Hezbollah said it fired guided missiles Tuesday night at Israeli forces as they attempted to evacuate wounded soldiers in southern Lebanon.
In a statement, the pro-Iranian movement said it wounded Israeli soldiers in a guided missile attack in the border town of Markaba before firing a second at an infantry unit that came to remove the wounded.
Hezbollah said it then targeted with another guided missile "a third infantry unit" that came to "try to recover the dead and wounded."
4 fighters killed in Israeli attack on Palmyra - Naharnet
A war monitor said Israeli strikes on central Syria's Palmyra on Wednesday killed four pro-Iran fighters, while Syrian state media reported an unspecified number of wounded in the attack.
"Four non-Syrian fighters from pro-Iran groups were killed and six others including civilians were wounded in a provisional toll of the Israeli strikes" on Palmyra, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The strikes targeted "a warehouse in the industrial area and a restaurant and buildings near the ancient city of Palmyra", the Britain-based Observatory added.
State news agency SANA said an "Israeli attack... targeted residential buildings and the industrial area" of the city, renowned for its ancient ruins.
State television reported unspecified "wounded due to the Israeli attack that targeted the city of Palmyra".
Hochstein says "the meeting today built on yesterday's discussions and made further progress" - LBC
U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein concluded his second meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, signaling additional progress in discussions over a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
"The meeting today built on yesterday's discussions and made further progress," Hochstein stated. He announced his intention to travel to Israel within hours to advance negotiations.
Hochstein refrained from providing details when asked about unresolved issues and the impact of the ongoing U.S. presidential transition.
"I know this will be disappointing to a lot of people here, but I'm not going to negotiate this in public," he noted, emphasizing the need for discretion.
"The meeting today built on yesterday's discussions and made further progress," Hochstein stated. He announced his intention to travel to Israel within hours to advance negotiations.
Hochstein refrained from providing details when asked about unresolved issues and the impact of the ongoing U.S. presidential transition.
"I know this will be disappointing to a lot of people here, but I'm not going to negotiate this in public," he noted, emphasizing the need for discretion.
Hochstein assured the incoming administration would be fully briefed on the negotiations, reiterating President Joe Biden's commitment to an orderly power transfer.
Hezbollah says chief Naim Qassem to give speech today - Naharnet
Hezbollah said its chief Sheikh Naim Qassem would give a speech Wednesday, a day after cancelling a similar announcement and with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein in Beirut seeking an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war.
A statement from the Iran-backed group announced the speech by Qassem would be "today", without specifying a time.
https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309319-hezbollah-says-chief-naim-qassem-to-give-speech-today
UN peacekeeping chief encouraged by talks toward cease-fire in Lebanon - Naharnet
The U.N. peacekeeping chief says diplomatic efforts toward a cease-fire in Lebanon are “encouraging,” and that the United Nations is working on the role its peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon could play after the Israel-Hezbollah war ends.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who just returned from Lebanon and Israel, told reporters Tuesday that the U.N. is proceeding on the basis that Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, will remain the framework for a settlement .
Key will be the resolution’s demand for Lebanon’s armed forces to deploy throughout the south to assert the country’s sovereignty, Lacroix said.
The resolution calls for U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, to support the implementation of the resolution’s provisions, and Lacroix says he stressed the importance of “genuine political will” to achieve that.
Hezbollah releases footage of strikes on "Tel Haim" and "Beit Lid" bases in Israel - LBC
Hezbollah published footage showcasing its targeted attacks on the "Tel Haim" and "Beit Lid" military bases in Israel.
The strikes carried out as part of ongoing operations, highlight Hezbollah's continued engagement with Israeli forces.
Former President Aoun meets US envoy Amos Hochstein to discuss ceasefire talks - LBC
Former President Michel Aoun received U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein at his residence in Rabieh on Wednesday.
Hochstein, who was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, briefed the former president on the progress of ceasefire negotiations.
Hochstein, who was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, briefed the former president on the progress of ceasefire negotiations.
In these talks, they discussed various ideas and proposals aimed at strengthening Lebanon's rights. The role of the Lebanese army, which is heavily relied upon after the ceasefire, was also a key point of the discussion.
Several killed, including soldier, in Israeli aggression on S.Lebanon - AL-Mayadeen
The Lebanese Army announced Wednesday that one soldier has succumbed to injuries sustained during an Israeli attack on a military vehicle on the Borj al-Molouk - al-Qlayleh road in southern Lebanon.
In a statement posted on X, the army confirmed the soldier’s martyrdom, following an earlier report that two personnel had been wounded in the attack.
LAF Casualties Following Israeli Attacks - This is Beirut
Tuesday evening saw flares and fierce attacks on the Marjayoun plain, as well as thermal balloon launches from Israeli aircraft flying low over the region.
Hezbollah and Israeli troops engaged in fierce fighting on Tuesday night along the Shamaa-Bayada axis as the latter sought to move into this area and avoid Bayada in order to encircle Naqoura. Hezbollah wrecked a Merkava tank and launched rockets against Israeli soldiers in an effort to thwart this tactic.
In Tyre, the town of Jwaya was the target of a series of Israeli raids targeting several residential buildings.
Also on Tuesday evening, Israeli warplanes struck homes in the village of Yohmor el-Shaqif and the Iqlim al-Touffah area of Khiam, Debbine, Aintata, Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Mayfadoun. Several casualties were reported.
In Sarafand, three Lebanese soldiers died after an attack on the Military Intelligence Authority and Northern Command center. Moreover, 17 people (civilians) were wounded.
For its part, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on Israeli infantry forces in Hounin, using a guided missile. Soldiers were also targeted in Marj (near Wadi Hounin). Several drones launched from Lebanon crashed in the Western Galilee, causing no casualties. Alarm sirens also sounded in Acre and Haifa, as well as in other towns in northern Israel, after drones were detected.
https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/articles/1301693/laf-casualties-following-israeli-attacks
Lebanese soldiers injured in latest Israeli attack on military forces: Lebanon's army confirms - LBC
On Wednesday, the Lebanese army confirmed that Israeli forces targeted an army vehicle on the Borj El Mlouk–Qlayaa road in southern Lebanon, resulting in two soldiers sustaining moderate injuries.
This marks the second attack on the Lebanese army in recent days. On Tuesday evening, the army reported that Israeli forces targeted a military center in the southern town of Sarafand, killing three soldiers.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
In the details, clashes intensify as Israel seeks to consolidate positions in Lebanon's south - LBC
Developments continue in the western sector of southern Lebanon, with a video showing an Israeli military vehicle navigating a neighborhood in Tayr Harfa. Several houses in the area appear visibly damaged.
Tayr Harfa and its surroundings have served as a secondary defensive line and a key support position for targeting numerous Israeli military sites.
The area lies along a line stretching from Dhayra and Jebbayn toward Chamaa, where Israeli forces are stationed and recently advanced, despite sustained attacks on their vehicles and personnel.
Recently, the Israeli army has been attempting to advance southward toward Biyyadah, where Hezbollah targeted a military gathering. Should Israeli forces capture Biyyadah, they would control the line extending from Dhayra through Tayr Harfa, Chamaa, and Biyyadah.
This attempt would isolate Naqoura and nearby areas from Tyre and its surrounding villages, placing Israeli forces in a strategically commanding position over several towns south of Tyre.
The push from Biyyadah's southern edge follows days of incursions into Aïn ez Zarqa, parts of Hamoul, and other valleys.
Hochstein's Beirut visit: Final details of ceasefire draft agreement with Israel - LBC
The much-anticipated arrival of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein in Beirut marked a significant step in efforts to finalize a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
On Tuesday morning, Hochstein met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain al-Tineh for discussions that lasted two hours.
According to LBCI sources, the meeting was positive and fruitful, focusing on resolving outstanding issues related to the 13-point draft agreement. Talks centered on refining specific provisions to align with U.N. Resolution 1701.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Speaker Berri revealed that representatives from both the Lebanese side and the U.S. were tasked with ironing out technical details before Hochstein's expected departure to Israel.
Berri noted that while the process progresses well, he expressed caution, emphasizing, "Guarantees regarding Israel's commitment fall on the Americans."
Referring to the draft agreement, he added, "Hochstein said it has been coordinated with the Israelis, but this is not the first time Israel has reneged on its commitments."
On Tuesday morning, Hochstein met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain al-Tineh for discussions that lasted two hours.
According to LBCI sources, the meeting was positive and fruitful, focusing on resolving outstanding issues related to the 13-point draft agreement. Talks centered on refining specific provisions to align with U.N. Resolution 1701.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Speaker Berri revealed that representatives from both the Lebanese side and the U.S. were tasked with ironing out technical details before Hochstein's expected departure to Israel.
Berri noted that while the process progresses well, he expressed caution, emphasizing, "Guarantees regarding Israel's commitment fall on the Americans."
Referring to the draft agreement, he added, "Hochstein said it has been coordinated with the Israelis, but this is not the first time Israel has reneged on its commitments."
Speaking from Ain al-Tineh, Hochstein struck an optimistic tone: "The meeting was very constructive and very helpful. I came back because we have a real opportunity to bring this conflict to an end. This is a moment of decision-making. I'm here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it's ultimately the decision of the parties to reach a conclusion to this conflict. It is now within our grasp. So, as the window is now, I hope the coming days yield a resolute decision."
Israel’s airstrikes on Lebanon kill 3,544, injure 15,036 - LBC
As Israel intensified its assault on Lebanon, particularly Beirut, the Ministry of Public Health reported that Monday's airstrikes killed 28 and injured 107.
The cumulative toll since the start of the conflict has now reached 3,544 dead and 15,036 injured, according to the ministry's daily update.
An Imminent Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Is Unlikely - This is Beirut
With much apprehension mixed with shy hope, the Lebanese are closely following the visit of US envoy Amos Hochstein who will be relaying Lebanon’s response to Israel regarding a ceasefire proposal.
Lebanon announced that Hezbollah has agreed to the US proposal, though it made certain comments, stressing that UN Resolution 1701 should be the base of any ceasefire agreement.
However, details of the proposal remained unclear after it was delivered last week by the US ambassador to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who has been commissioned by Hezbollah to negotiate.
But despite somehow optimist vibes circulated by Lebanese officials, there are major sticking points that remain to be resolved, making an imminent ceasefire deal unlikely.
Among the hitches being debated is the idea of a Western-led committee that the US wants to create to oversee the strict implementation of UN Resolution 1701.
According to an informed source, the existing tripartite committee established within the framework of resolution 1701 and which groups UNIFIL and representatives from the Lebanese and Israeli armies, could be enlarged to guarantee a reinforced observation of the resolution’s implementation.
“This is one of the points under discussion,” the source told This is Beirut. “Exploring if it is possible, within the framework of 1701 and under the tripartite committee’s prerogatives, to invite additional observers, one French and one American, in order to give additional guarantees to the two parties, and this without going back to the Security Council.”
According to a source close to Hezbollah, the inclusion of US and French representatives in the observation committee is plausible. Veto is placed only on the Germans and the British.
“Hezbollah accepted resolution 1701 and is ready to implement it literally and right away, including the withdrawal of its fighters and weapons north of the Litani River” which is about 30 km from the border with Israel.
“There is a strong possibility of reaching a ceasefire and stopping the aggression, but that is linked to the Israeli position and the field developments. If Israel feels that it is no longer able to advance and to accomplish military gains, it would accept an end to the war,” the source said, speaking to This is Beirut on condition of anonymity.
“Hezbollah is still able to resist and it is capable of challenging Israel and launching missiles deep into Israeli territory and at Tel Aviv, and won't bow to Israeli conditions,” the source added, implying that ceasefire negotiations are yet to yield a positive result.
Another major glitch in the negotiations is Israel’s demand for the right to act inside Lebanon if there is any violation of the agreement, in addition to having international surveillance of the land border with Syria, the airport and port in order to prevent any possible transfer of weapons to Hezbollah.
Retired army General Naji Malaeb stresses that “this is a non-starter,” adding, “It is unacceptable that any ceasefire deal encroaches on national sovereignty.”
Battlefield Has the Final Say: Hezbollah Responds with Fire, Strikes Tel Aviv - Al-Manar
As the indirect talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Lebanon are underway on Tuesday, Hezbollah went ahead to record epic battles and game-changing missile strikes against the Zionist entity, sending clear message that the fire is met with fire and that the battlefield has the final say.
The Lebanese resistance group shot down a new Israeli drone on Tuesday, as it struck the occupied Israeli cities of Tel Aviv, Safed and Karmiel and kept up its rocket attacks against Israeli forces across the border between Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israeli occupation army announced on Tuesday the death of a soldier and the injury of three others. It noted that the four were from Golani Brigade and that they were hit by an explosive-laden drone launched by Hezbollah during a logistics supply operation in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Israeli media reported at least five casualties, one in Karmiel and the other four in the Zionist entity’s center, without giving the exact location.
Tuesday’s operations came a day after Hezbollah staged a missile strike targeting Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, inflicting heavy damage in the central city.
Operations
Hezbollah’s Military Media announced 19 operations so far on Tuesday, stressing that they are “in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and in backing their honorable and valiant resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people.”
The first statement mentioned that the Islamic Resistance fighters downed an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over the Lebanese border town of Taybe at 10:00 PM on Monday. It added that the fighters shot down the UAV employing a surface-to-air missile and that it was seen bursting into flames while falling.
At 12:15 AM on Tuesday, Hezbollah fighters fired a barrage of rockets targeting the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona, according to the second statement.
IDF announces fallen soldier Omer Moshe Gaeldor has succumbed to his wounds - The Jerusalem Post
Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Omer Moshe Gaeldor was fatally wounded while fighting in south Lebanon, the IDF announced on Tuesday.
Sgt.-Maj. Gaeldor (30), from Jerusalem, served in the 5111 Battalion in the Golani Brigade.
Gaeldor and three others were seriously injured by a drone attack about two kilometers from the border while they were engaged in security operations early on Tuesday morning.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-829831
Hezbollah launches rocket attack on Israeli military gathering in Khiam, targets Tel Aviv suburbs - LBC
Hezbollah announced it launched a barrage of rockets targeting an Israeli military gathering at the Al-Omra Gate, south of the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon.
In the same statement, the group claimed responsibility for striking the Glilot military base, located 110 kilometers from the border in the suburbs of Tel Aviv.
Mikati urges end to 'genocidal war' in talks with Hochstein - Naharnet
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday told visiting U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein that “the government’s priority is reaching a ceasefire, ending the aggression against Lebanon and preserving Lebanese sovereignty across all Lebanese territory.”
“Anything that achieves this objective has the priority,” Mikati added.
“The government’s main concern is the swift return of the displaced to their villages and towns and the halt of the Israeli genocidal war and the absurd destruction of Lebanese towns,” the premier said.
He also emphasized “the implementation of the clear U.N. resolutions and the strengthening of the army’s authority in the south.”
https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309306-mikati-urges-end-to-genocidal-war-in-talks-with-hochstein
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