Hezbollah testing the IDF’s reactions to ceasefire violations – analysis
In KfarKela and in a variety of other villages, Hezbollah forces started to try to enter areas that the IDF has defined as no-go zones for them
Within hours of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire going into effect, Hezbollah was already testing the IDF’s reactions to violations.
In Kafr Kila and other villages, Hezbollah forces started to try to enter areas the IDF has defined as no-go zones for them.
So far, the IDF has used warning shots to “convince” these violators to turn around, and that has worked.But a short time after the IDF announced its warning shot responses, Defense Minister Israel Katz said this was insufficient.
Katz said if Hezbollah violators are unarmed but moving where they should not be, they must be arrested, and if there is even a hint of them presenting a danger, they should be shot and killed.
Following Katz’s statement, IDF sources respectfully disagreed. According to the sources, each case must be looked at based on the specific circumstances. Also, the general tone of violations and respecting the ceasefire deal has an impact, said the sources.
Who will call the shots on this? IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi? Katz? Mid-level lieutenant-colonels and other commanders in the field? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself?
Cross-border smuggling from Syria
This is for lighter violations.
If Hezbollah seems to be trying to carry out a more dangerous violation with more forces or more powerful weaponry, such as rockets or drones, when will the IDF shoot bullets, when shells, and when missiles from the air?
There does not seem to be agreement on a lot of these issues. While the political echelon is supposed to make broad policy, some of these rules of engagement questions are traditionally decided by the army, and some by commanders in the field who are closest to the complex dilemmas in question.
IDF sources said they will sternly enforce the deal, but on the other hand, they do not want to blow up the deal over a small violation.
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