The former head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate, Tamir Hayman, acknowledged Wednesday that the Israeli army failed to achieve any of its objectives during its recent aggression against Lebanon. Hayman admitted that the goal of swiftly and safely returning settlers to northern occupied Palestine was not realized.

Hayman highlighted the resilience and effectiveness of Hezbollah fighters. "Through bold combat against the Israeli army, Hezbollah fighters embodied the notion that it is on the battlefield alone where equations are established," he said.

Hayman further outlined significant challenges facing the Israeli occupation forces after more than a year of fighting, including depleted ammunition reserves, issues with the readiness of reservist soldiers, and unclear strategic goals. He noted that the Israeli occupation forces' objectives were determined by the government, with the primary goal being to ensure the safe return of settlers—a goal that remained unfulfilled.

Adding to the criticism, Hayman revealed that some Israelis have described the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon as "a surrender and submission to Hezbollah."

Also reflecting on Israeli failures, The Economist revealed that a "year of combat, both in Lebanon and in Gaza, has placed enormous strain on the Israeli army," highlighting that many reservists have been called up for long tours of duty with 54% of those mobilized since October 7 doing more than 100 days of service.

The newspaper maintained that continuing the war on Lebanon would necessitate expanding it, which is not feasible as Israeli generals "are reluctant to impose an even heavier burden on the force."

Netanyahu alluded to these pressures in his speech, having said that the Israeli army needed a break.

Furthermore, the Economist highlighted how it is unclear if the ceasefire agreement will actually achieve "Israel’s" stated goal of bringing settlers back to their settlements in the north, prompting several mayors of these settlements to criticize the deal, saying they want stronger guarantees that Hezbollah will be kept away from the border.

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Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, described the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon as a surrender deal by Netanyahu. Lieberman said Netanyahu has bought "short-term calm at the expense of long-term national security."

These remarks align with a recent public opinion poll showing that 99% of Israelis believe that "Israel" did not achieve victory in the war against Hezbollah, with analysts labeling the outcome "an absolute victory" for the Lebanese Resistance.

Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 14 criticized the return of Lebanese citizens to southern towns despite ongoing threats from Israeli military officials. "They are not listening to the Israeli army spokesperson; they are returning to southern Lebanon," the channel reported, reflecting frustration over the public's disregard for official warnings.

Lebanese return home

Just after the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and the Israeli regime took effect on Wednesday at 4:00 am (local time), cars were seen flocking southward, as Lebanese citizens swiftly made their way back to their homes they had been forcibly displaced from by the Israeli occupation.

The return marked a poignant moment of relief for many, as families, who had endured weeks of hardship, began the journey to reclaim their lives and rebuild in the aftermath of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon.

Read more: Ceasefire between Lebanon and 'Israel' officially takes effect

Citizens were also seen heading toward the Bekaa Valley, which has endured hundreds of strikes in the past few months, many of which targeted homes, massacring entire families.