The IDF issued a stern accusation Sunday that Hezbollah is deliberately attempting to escalate tensions in southern Lebanon by orchestrating civilian protests along the border. Lebanese sources have reported approximately four fatalities resulting from IDF fire.
In response, Hezbollah parliamentary bloc member Ali Fayad stated that "despite the casualties, Kfar Kila residents remain determined to return to their village. We are witnessing historic moments as residents have shattered the status quo that Israel attempted to establish."
IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a statement saying: "Hezbollah shows complete disregard for Lebanon's interests. The scenes emerging from various areas in southern Lebanon serve as clear evidence of this fact. A defeated Hezbollah is exploiting its media platforms to challenge Lebanese interests and deflect attention from its leadership's transgressions that have brought southern Lebanon to this situation. Hezbollah is responsible for sending these rioters, attempting to inflame tensions to obscure its diminishing position both within Lebanon and the broader Arab world."
The Lebanese army confirmed its units have entered Maroun al-Ras, Bint Jbeil, and other border-adjacent areas. In an official statement, the Lebanese Armed Forces declared that "our units stand in solidarity with civilians against the Israeli enemy, who continues to reject the ceasefire agreement and refuses to withdraw from Lebanese territory."
Earlier, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri celebrated the residents' return to southern Lebanon, stating: "Today's actions demonstrate that sovereignty extends beyond mere rhetoric. The casualties provide irrefutable proof of Israel's ongoing violations of Lebanese sovereignty. The bloodshed of southern residents serves as an urgent appeal to the international community and agreement sponsors to take immediate action and compel Israel to withdraw."
Video: Lebanese try to cross into southern Lebanon as ceasefire ends / Credit: Arab social
Concurrently, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun continued diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel into completing its withdrawal. His published statement declared: "Today marks a victory for Lebanon and its people, a triumph of sovereignty and national unity. I share in your celebration while urging restraint and confidence in our Lebanese forces, who will safeguard our sovereignty and facilitate your return home. Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable, and I am personally monitoring this situation at the highest levels to protect your rights and dignity. The Lebanese army stands with you always, wherever you are, maintaining its commitment to your protection and security. United under the Lebanese flag, we remain stronger together."
Hezbollah parliamentary member Ali Fayad reiterated that "despite the casualties, Kfar Kila residents persist in their determination to return home. We are experiencing historic moments as residents have dismantled the equation Israel attempted to impose." He further alleged that Israel had destroyed 90% of Kfar Kila's homes.
With the expiration of the 60-day truce, all northern border response units have been placed on heightened alert amid concerns of potential Hezbollah provocations in the region. The ceasefire agreement with Lebanon concluded today after 60 days. For weeks, the defense establishment had insisted on maintaining positions short of a full withdrawal to the Blue Line, arguing this was essential for protecting northern communities and retaining control of strategic positions from which Hezbollah had previously threatened northern settlements before the conflict began.
While Israel had expressed significant concerns about potential pressure from the new Trump administration to withdraw, this first major test of Israel-US relations resulted in America's indirect support for Israel's decision to maintain some forces in Lebanon beyond the ceasefire's conclusion.
