An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Monday resulted in the death of Mohammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas’ military operations in the region, according to the Israeli military. This operation comes amid ongoing tensions related to Israel’s planned withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which is part of a ceasefire agreement reached in November following a prolonged conflict with Hezbollah.
The Israeli army reported that Shaheen was involved in planning attacks against Israel, allegedly funded and directed by Iran from Lebanese territory. Hamas confirmed his death, referring to him as a military commander, underscoring the significance of this incident in the context of regional security dynamics.
As the situation unfolds, an Israeli official has indicated that despite the impending deadline for a full withdrawal, Israeli forces will maintain a presence in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon. These positions are intended to provide surveillance and security for northern Israeli communities. The decision to delay the withdrawal has drawn criticism from the Lebanese government, which has expressed strong opposition to any extension of the Israeli military’s presence in the area.
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani of the Israeli military stated that this temporary measure has received approval from a U.S.-led monitoring body overseeing the ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that Israel is committed to executing the withdrawal in a manner that prioritizes the safety of its civilians, indicating a cautious approach to the complex security situation.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israeli forces are expected to retreat from a designated buffer zone, which will subsequently be patrolled by the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers. Despite the ceasefire holding since its inception, both Israel and Lebanon have accused each other of violations, contributing to the fragile peace.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated the necessity of adhering to the ceasefire agreement, expressing distrust towards Israeli intentions. He stated that Lebanese officials are actively pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, emphasizing that no Israeli military presence should remain.
As tensions continue to simmer, the implications of the drone strike and the ongoing military presence could further complicate the already delicate balance in the region, highlighting the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace.