Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) arrested on Wednesday four Hezbollah operatives who approached troops in southern Lebanon hours after the ceasefire went into effect, Israeli media reported. An IDF spokesperson said the group included a commander. They are all being interrogated in the field.
It is one of other episodes that have reportedly taken place over the past hours as parties move to enforce the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organization in the United States.
Suspects were also hit by Israeli gunfire as they tried to approach several villages. Newly-appointed Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered "forceful action" to keep Hezbollah members from returning to areas near the border.
The IDF has also imposed a curfew in the areas it still controls. It will go from 5 pm on Wednesday to 7 am on Thursday. "For your safety and the safety of your family, you are prohibited from moving south toward the villages that the IDF has ordered to be evacuated or toward IDF forces in the area. Any movement toward these areas exposes you to danger," said IDF spokesperson in Arabic Aicahy Adraee.
The agreement began a 60-day transition period during which the IDF is set to withdraw from southern Lebanon and allow the deployment of the Lebanese army, which will be tasked with preventing Hezbollah from rearming in the area.
The deal will feature a U.S.-led oversight committee that will monitor the implementation of the agreement and address violations. France will also be a part of the committee. Washington has agreed to give Israel a letter of assurances including support for Israeli military action against threats coming from Lebanese territory "according to international law."
"Israel will always have the right to address threats on its security like every country has," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Netanyahu, on his end, said: "If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to arm itself, we will attack. If it tries to renew terrorist infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it launches a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck with missiles, we will attack."
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