Supporters of Hezbollah returning to the southern suburbs of Beirut on the first day of the ceasefire with Israel, Nov. 27, 2024. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)
On Wednesday, the Israeli government instructed the military to block access to the southern Lebanon border villages for residents wishing to return to their homes, according to the newspaper Haaretz.
In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office justified this measure as being "in accordance with the first phase of the ceasefire plan," adding that the Israeli army had arrested "four Hezbollah operatives, including a local commander," who are alleged to have entered what is referred to as a "restricted access zone."
Earlier in the day, journalists were targeted by Israeli soldiers while attempting to approach the occupied village of Khiam in the Marjayoun district. Associated Press photographer Mohammad Zaatari was shot in the leg while trying to photograph an Israeli Merkava tank, alongside Russian Sputnik correspondent Abdel Qader al-Bai, who was hit by shrapnel, and Ali Hachicho of Al-Akhbar newspaper, who reported the incident to our correspondent in South Lebanon, Mountasser Abdallah.
Access blocked south of the Litani River
The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Herzi Halevi, stated that "in accordance with the rules approved by the Defense Minister, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet, Hezbollah members who approach our forces, the border zone, and villages in the designated area will be targeted." He also emphasized that "the fighting in Lebanon was conducted with determination, and the enforcement of the agreement will be even more resolute."
Earlier in the day, the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, posted a video on X, issuing a series of directives to Lebanese returning to their homes. He urged residents "not to head towards areas where the Israeli army is present, as this could expose them to danger.
He announced that from 5 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Thursday, "it will be prohibited to travel south of the Litani River." The Israeli military will act "decisively" against any "violations" of the ceasefire agreement, he stated.
