Beirut: Europe and the Arabs

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Thursday sharply criticized the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon brokered by Washington, asserting that it was a "grave mistake." This came after Lebanon and Israel reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire and establish "pilot zones" under the control of the Lebanese army, according to a joint statement issued following talks between the two sides in Washington under US auspices.

The statement clarified that the ceasefire is conditional on "a complete cessation of attacks by Hezbollah," in addition to "the withdrawal of all its elements from the area south of the Litani River." This was reported by the European news network Euronews in Brussels.

The agreement also stipulates the establishment of pilot zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume exclusive security responsibility, excluding any presence or activity by non-governmental entities. The statement affirmed that the future of relations between Lebanon and Israel "must be determined exclusively by the two sovereign governments," rejecting any interference from non-governmental parties or foreign states in this process.

The two sides also agreed to resume negotiations on political and security tracks during the week beginning June 22, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive and final agreement.

For its part, the Lebanese delegation affirmed its country's commitment to the principles of respecting international borders and an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities, along with upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state. Lebanon also expressed its readiness to bolster the capabilities of the national army with US support to establish control over all Lebanese territory.

However, the American news website Axios indicated that Hezbollah's position on the new understanding remains uncertain, explaining that there are doubts about the party's willingness to adhere to the terms of withdrawal from south of the Litani River and to prevent any military activity within that area. Hezbollah's deputy political council chief, Mahmoud Qamati, had previously told AFP that the party would not accept any "partial ceasefire agreement," emphasizing its rejection of any "trade-off whereby Tel Aviv would cease targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut in exchange for Hezbollah halting its attacks on northern Israel."

"A grave mistake"

For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that US President Donald Trump adopts the Israeli vision of disarming Hezbollah and transforming Lebanon into a demilitarized state.

In an interview with CNBC, Netanyahu stated, "If we want to save Lebanon, and if we want to achieve peace between Lebanon and Israel—which is what I want—we must disarm Hezbollah and make Lebanon demilitarized."

Two days prior, Netanyahu promised an "imminent" solution to counter the "threat of Hezbollah's drones."

These developments followed the United Nations' expression of grave concern over the continued hostilities in Lebanon, where people are being forced to flee their homes in search of safety. In Beirut alone, an estimated 200,000 people were displaced from the southern suburbs following the Israeli military's evacuation order on June 1.

According to local authorities, 30,000 families in the southern governorate and 4,000 families in Nabatieh have fled the violence in recent days. This latest wave of displacement is placing immense pressure on already strained systems.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that humanitarian workers have registered nearly 135,000 people at increasingly overcrowded collective shelters, with thousands more living on the streets, beaches, and elsewhere.

The UN also expressed grave concern about the continuing impact of the hostilities on Lebanon's healthcare system. The Ministry of Public Health reported that overnight airstrikes on June 1 killed five people and injured 48 others, including a doctor and five staff members at the Tebnine Governmental Hospital in Nabatieh Governorate. This is at least the fourth airstrike to hit this hospital since March 2. It is the only functioning trauma hospital in the area.

Stéphane Dujarric said the UN and its partners continue to provide assistance wherever and whenever possible, including clean water, hygiene kits, and other aid to those most in need.

He stressed that the UN continues to call for the protection of civilians, including health workers, and for unimpeded and continuous humanitarian access wherever needed.

Israeli airstrikes increase the risk of escalation.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to monitor the tense situation along the Blue Line.

On Tuesday, the force observed intensive Israeli ground and air movements in its area of ​​operations. These activities included armored vehicle movements, large-scale engineering and demolition work, ongoing logistical activity, and airstrikes. UNIFIL recorded 70 violations of Lebanese airspace by the Israeli military, approximately 24 airstrikes by Israeli fighter jets, and one missile attack by an Israeli military helicopter.

The force also recorded 21 projectile launches from north to south, presumably by Hezbollah, including one that crossed the Blue Line. In addition, UNIFIL recorded approximately 826 trajectories of projectiles fired from Israeli military positions south of the Blue Line and within its area of ​​operations, marking a worrying record high for the third consecutive day since April 17.

Stéphane Dujarric stated that the escalation and increasing frequency of Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon, coupled with the continued firing by Hezbollah, is deeply concerning and naturally increases the risk of further escalation.

He called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, respect the ceasefire agreements, and fully comply with their obligations under Security Council Resolution 1701.