Israel signals continued operations in South Lebanon despite ceasefire reports

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Israeli officials have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining military operations in South Lebanon, keeping the area outside the scope of any potential ceasefire arrangement and insisting on preserving the Israeli Air Force's freedom of action. 

The statements came despite repeated remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump and reports of tensions during his recent phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli military said it had received no new instructions regarding a ceasefire in South Lebanon and would continue, and potentially expand, its operations there. The announcement came even as the military disclosed that three Israeli soldiers had been killed and dozens wounded in clashes with Hezbollah.

Israeli officials also indicated that discussions with Washington regarding possible future strikes on Beirut remain ongoing, despite recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

In northern Israel, where a degree of calm was expected under an understanding that would spare Beirut's southern suburbs from attack, air raid sirens continued to sound until early Tuesday morning. 

At the same time, political and security voices in Israel intensified calls against accepting any international or U.S.-backed proposal that would halt fighting without the establishment of a broad buffer zone along the border.

Meanwhile, Israel is seeking to strengthen its position ahead of direct negotiations with Lebanon. According to Israeli officials, the primary objective remains weakening Hezbollah's military capabilities, dismantling its infrastructure, and restricting its ability to rebuild its presence near the border.

The developments underscore the significant gap that remains between diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation and military calculations on the ground, with South Lebanon continuing to witness hostilities despite ongoing negotiations and ceasefire discussions.