'Israel' operating in accordance with 'side document' not UN Res. 1701

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media + Al Mayadeen
2 Dec 2024 19:46
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Israeli officials assert their right to act under a "side document" agreed upon with the US, which they claim permits operations in Lebanon even beyond UN Resolution 1701's framework.

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US and Israeli occupation flags fly as then-US Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, November 24, 2015. (AP)

Following warnings from France and the United States that "Israel" is violating the cessation of hostilities agreement with Lebanon, with over 50 violations recorded by the Lebanese Army, an Israeli occupation source speaking to Israeli website Ynet admitted the existence of a "side document" between "Israel" and the United States, which Lebanon has never agreed to.

The source stated, "Regarding the 'side document' and understandings with the Americans, Israel has the right to act without referring to the arrangements [agreed upon to implement UN Resolution 1701] if there is an immediate or time-sensitive threat. This applies throughout Lebanon."

While Lebanon's Speaker Nabih Berri urged the committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of the UN resolution to hold "Israel" accountable and enforce the resolution amid ongoing breaches, the Israeli source confirmed to Israeli media that the Israeli occupation forces are "acting in accordance with the understandings and the 'side document.'"

According to Ynet, the "side document" allows "Israel" to operate freely south of the Litani River in Lebanon. "Israel can decide whether to act immediately or refer to the [1701 implementation] arrangements," the source added.

It was further noted that "beyond the Litani, we are expected to refer to the arrangements," which involves passing information to the Lebanese Army. The Israeli source claimed the Lebanese Army is supposed to act to eliminate Resistance presence, including structures or missile transfers, as outlined in the "side document."

Openly acknowledging the document, the source said: "We are operating in line with the understandings with the Americans and the 'side document.' We are not violating the agreement." The source further revealed that "Israel" is currently prioritizing direct aggressions and attacks against any targets it deems as "immediate or time-sensitive threats."

Acknowledging that the ceasefire agreement is only worth sustaining if no threat to "Israel" remains, the Israeli occupation continues to occupy Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian territories. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told Ynet: "We will not accept a return to the conditions that existed on October 6, 2023."

It is worth noting that the Israeli enemy has so far targeted civilians, the Lebanese Army, and other Lebanese government security forces.

In response to the violations, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon announced an initial operation today, intended as a warning to the Israeli occupation.

The Resistance has repeatedly emphasized that Lebanon considers the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 as the sole basis of the agreement.

Berri urges committee to act regarding Israeli ceasefire violations

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, on Monday, urged the committee responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement to immediately begin its work and compel "Israel" to halt its violations and withdraw from currently occupied Lebanese territories.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Berri's office said, "Contrary to media reports suggesting that Israel's actions since the ceasefire took effect are part of the agreement, the Israeli occupation forces' aggressive actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire terms."

The statement clarified that "the aggressive actions by the Israeli occupation forces represent a clear breach of the ceasefire agreement, which came into effect at 4:00 a.m. on November 27, 2024, and to which Lebanon has fully adhered."

Berri added, "We ask the technical committee formed to monitor the implementation of this agreement: where are they regarding these ongoing violations, which have now exceeded 54 breaches, while Lebanon and the Resistance remain fully committed to their obligations?"

He stressed that "the committee tasked with monitoring the agreement must urgently begin its duties, ensuring that Israel stops its violations and withdraws from the occupied territories before anything else."