Israeli Forces Deeper in Lebanon Than in 25 Years Despite Ceasefire

Israeli troops have penetrated Lebanese territory to depths unseen since the early 2000s, defying the historical pattern of withdrawal after past conflicts. A November 2024 ceasefire nominally paused fighting, yet Israel has maintained and expanded its ground presence while conducting routine strikes. The arrangement functions as a license for ongoing Israeli military action rather than a genuine mutual halt—Lebanon's government lacks capacity to disarm Hezbollah, and Israel retains enforcement rights unilaterally.