Israel will continue to exploit its freedom of action in Lebanon to attack Hezbollah under the guise of ceasefire enforcement, which will prompt Hezbollah to retaliate as the group tries to reestablish some level of deterrence, portending more tit-for-tat exchanges that could ultimately collapse the current truce. On Dec. 3, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to target the Lebanese state itself if the truce with Hezbollah collapsed and hostilities resumed. This was the most serious threat Israel has made since both sides agreed to a 60-day truce brokered by the United States and France on Nov. 27. Israeli forces have already violated the agreement several times by continuing to strike alleged Hezbollah fighters and positions -- at times in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hezbollah, but at others seemingly on their own initiative. On Dec. 2, following multiple Israeli attacks, including the killing of at least 12 people...
