Israeli jets broke the sound barrier over Beirut for the first time since the November 27 ceasefire, coinciding with reports of postponed military withdrawals from southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials reported no agreement to extend the withdrawal deadline amid ongoing violations, resulting in numerous casualties since the ceasefire began.
On Wednesday evening, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier while flying over Beirut and its southern suburbs, the first instance of such activity since the ceasefire initiated on November 27. This development comes amid reports that Israel is delaying the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, despite a scheduled deadline of February 18 for their exit.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA, Israeli fighter jets conducted low-altitude flights over various regions, including the Matn district in Mount Lebanon and areas in the Bekaa region. In response, Lebanese officials stated there had been no agreement to extend the troop withdrawal deadline.
The fragile ceasefire, established on November 27, ended a series of mutual shelling incidents between Israel and Hezbollah, which had escalated into a significant conflict last September. Under the terms of this ceasefire, Israel was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but following its refusal to do so, the deadline was pushed back to February 18.
Since the beginning of the ceasefire, Lebanon has reported almost 900 violations by Israel, resulting in numerous casualties, including women and children. These violations underscore the tension and precariousness of the current situation and the difficulties in maintaining peace in the region.
Israeli jets have resumed low-altitude flights over Beirut as tensions rise with a reported postponement of troop withdrawals from southern Lebanon. Despite the ongoing ceasefire since November 27, Israel’s military activity has led to over 900 reported violations, highlighting the fragile state of peace and the challenges faced in adhering to ceasefire agreements.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
