VFI News Reports: Hezbollah Has Violated the Ceasefire, IDF Prevented It from Developing Chemical Weapons

Dive into a detailed breakdown of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Learn about the 60-day truce, its implications for the region, and the challenges both sides face in maintaining peace.

We’ll explore Israel’s strategic gains, Hezbollah’s setbacks, and the role of international players like the U.S., France, and the UN in shaping this agreement.

Get insights into Hamas' ceasefire overtures, the impact of U.S. military aid to Israel, and the controversies surrounding ICC arrest warrants.

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Israel said Thursday, November 28, that its ceasefire with Hezbollah had already been violated — less than two days after U.S. President Joe Biden announced it in the Rose Garden.  

The military said the ceasefire, which took effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday was broken by suspects arriving in vehicles in defiance of the deal. Lebanese officials said that Israeli tanks then opened fire at a half-dozen locations in southern Lebanon, from which the Jewish state agreed to withdraw as part of the truce gradually. 

It’s unclear if the fighting will derail the broader agreement to end fighting after more than a year. It was not immediately clear if the individuals Israel complained about were fighters associated with the Iran-backed terrorist group, which is supposed to withdraw to roughly the Litani River north of the international border.  

Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah member of Lebanon’s parliament, claimed that they were just civilians returning to their homes. Lebanon’s parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who led his country’s side in the peace talks, reportedly had encouraged residents to return immediately, despite Israel urging them not to do so yet.  

Israel is due to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days under the terms of the deal, which was reached in the waning days of Biden’s administration with the involvement of French President Emmanuel Macron. (NYP / VFI News)

“Lord, we pray That You dismantle Hezbollah so that we can finally be at peace with Lebanon. We pray in Yeshua’s name for all the displaced civilians to soon return to their homes. We pray for minimal collateral damage during the conflicts and for everything to be resolved according to Your perfect Will. We trust You and we put our full hope in You Lord. Thank You for never leaving nor forsaking us.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

The IDF foiled an attempt by Hezbollah to develop chemical weapons several weeks ago, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, November 27. 

The report did not mention any details about the weapons or where they were being developed.  According to the unsourced report, the weapons were meant to be used by Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force during an invasion of Israeli territory. 

Another report said that soldiers in Lebanon have come across gas tanks, coveralls, and gas masks while searching Hezbollah positions. The report quoted IDF soldiers who claimed to have been briefed by members of the Home Front Command about what to do in case of a chemical attack by Hezbollah.  

However, the IDF has denied the report, whereas it has recently cleared for publication that in the hours leading up to the beginning of the ceasefire, IAF fighter jets, under the direction of the Intelligence Directorate, struck Hezbollah’s largest precision-guided missile production site in Bekaa’s Janta area. 

The 1.4-kilometer-long underground infrastructure was used to produce surface-to-surface missiles and components of different weapons and store a range of precision weapons designated to be used in attacks on Israel. The site was located in an underground compound near the Syrian border. (INN /VFI News) 

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. - Isaiah 54:17

Below are some estimated numbers for the Lebanon war from October 8, 2023, until November 26, 2024. Some numbers are fully updated, and some await updates from the IDF but are based on previous reports.  

Between 2,500-3,000 Hezbollah fighters have been killed compared to 75 IDF soldiers who died either invading southern Lebanon or from Hezbollah attacks into northern Israel. Most of these have been killed since mid-September, but several hundred Hezbollah had been killed before then. 

Hezbollah still has tens of thousands of fighters - the vast majority of its rank-and-file forces, even as a majority of its commanders have been killed.  

Between 700-1,200 Lebanese civilians have been killed compared to 45 Israeli civilians.  

Statistics vary wildly regarding how much Hezbollah has attacked Israel, depending on the definition, with the numbers varying from as low as a few thousand rockets to over 10,000 to around 15,000 rockets and 2,500 drones. (JPost/VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we pray for all the innocent civilians and soldiers who have died during the Lebanon war. We pray in Yeshua’s name that You comfort their families and reveal Yourself to them so that they renew their hope for eternal life. We pray that You protect the innocent Israeli and Lebanese civilians and allow them to live in a safe place surrounded by their loved ones. May You bring about an end to the war and peace in the Middle East.”

A new medical report by the Health Team of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reveals severe ongoing health challenges among released hostages and their families, one year after the exchange that freed 105 people from Gaza. 

Key findings show survivors and their families face severe physical issues including malnutrition, untreated fractures, nerve damage, and long-term disabilities, widespread PTSD symptoms, including nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional detachment, with children showing developmental regression. 

Other issues include accelerated aging among elderly survivors, who require increased medical and psychological care, and major challenges returning to work and education, with public attention often intensifying feelings of alienation.  

Prof. Hagai Levine, head of the Health Team, said, “The difficulties faced by survivors of captivity and their families over the past year highlight the critical need for continuous and comprehensive support.” 

“Addressing gaps in rehabilitation, ensuring long-term support for families, and establishing systematic monitoring mechanisms are all vital. But there can be no full recovery without the return of all hostages!” (INN/ VFI News)

“Dear God, we come to You with a burdened heart and sadness for all the people who have been suffering during the war, and especially the hostages. We pray that You cause everyone to turn to You so that You can alleviate their pain, heal them, and take their worries away. Please, don’t let Your hand leave the hostages and their families. In Yeshua’s name we pray, amen.”

Discover the profound insights and timeless teachings of Parashat Toledot, as we explore the scriptures of Genesis 25-28. Join us on a journey to uncover the rich stories and meaningful lessons hidden within this portion of the Torah. Gain a deeper understanding of the lives of Isaac, Rebecca, and their twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Dive into the family dynamics, blessings, and divine promises that make Parashat Toledot a significant and thought-provoking part of the Bible. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your knowledge and spiritual connection.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last week for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant for supposed war crimes committed in Gaza. 

The decision to issue the warrant contradicted legal advice received by the court that it actually had no jurisdiction to issue a warrant, and prompted awkward responses from Western nations on how they would interpret the law and if they would arrest the democratically elected head of government of an allied state.  

The government of French President Emmanuel Macron has been locking horns with Israel more often in recent months and had previously indicated it would respect the ruling of the court. Its statement immediately after the arrest warrant was issued last week felt deliberately vague, stating only that: “True to its long-standing commitment to supporting international justice, it reiterates its attachment to the independent work of the court.” 

Yet France has now shifted to a new position, publishing a diplomatic communication stating that the nation respects its international obligations, both to the International Criminal Court of which it is a member nation, but also towards third-party nations that aren’t members, like Israel.  

The French government asserted: “A State cannot be required to act in a manner inconsistent with its obligations under international law with respect to the immunities of States not party to the ICC. Such immunities apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other relevant ministers and will need to be taken into consideration should the ICC request their arrest and surrender.” (BB / VFI News) 

Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Palestinian Authority (PA), published a “constitutional declaration” on Wednesday, November 27, stating that Rawhi Fattouh, chairman of the Palestinian National Council (PNC), will assume the position of interim President “if the position becomes vacant.”  

In the declaration, Abbas stipulated that if his position became vacant and the Legislative Council were “dysfunctional,” then Fattouh would assume the position of interim President for a period of no more than 90 days while elections were held.  

Abbas specified that if elections could not be held, the Palestinian Central Council (PCC) could choose to extend his term for another 90 days, but no longer. 

The PCC serves as one of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s (PLO) policy-making bodies along with the PNC; Fattouh is chairman of both the PCC and PNC. Fattouh previously served as interim President following the death of Yasser Arafat in 2004; he held the post from November 2004 until January, when elections were held. (JPost/VFI News)

A Palestinian Arab Telegram channel which has over 100,000 followers, published a post on Thursday, November 28, calling for the murder of former MK Yehuda Glick.  

The post, which comes mostly due to Glick’s activism for Jewish rights on the Temple Mount, includes a clear mention of the previous attempt on his life about a decade ago: “This criminal’s aggression must end with a gunshot like that of the hero Muataz Hijazi.”  

Glick stated that he submitted a complaint to the police about the post. “I hope the suspects are caught immediately. We can not be silent in the face of this incitement. These threats will never break my spirit to continue working for Jewish rights on the Temple Mount.”  

A video posted on the channel describes Glick’s activism as “offensive to the sanctity of al-Aqsa.” The channel accused him of “daily break-ins,” religious ceremonies, and cooperation with the Israeli security forces. In addition, it claimed that Glick “incites settlers to invade the Mount,” and use tourism as a cover. (INN /VFI News)  

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” - Proverbs 6:16-19

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer wished the American people, and the U.S. government, a happy Thanksgiving, adding that the State of Israel was thankful for the enduring support of the American people.  

“We are very grateful for the ironclad commitment and friendship and union with the United States of America,” Mencer said. “They have stood by our side in difficult times and in good times, none more so than in the last 419 days.”  

No one in Israel would ever forget that President Joe Biden visited Israel just days after the October 7 terror attacks in solidarity, he said, adding that Israel also looked forward to the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.  

Mencer also listed Israel’s achievements in the Third Lebanon War. According to him, Israel decimated Hezbollah’s leadership, destroyed much of its weaponry, and prevented it from carrying out an October 7-style attack on northern Israel.

In addition, Israel’s government has noted that the war removed Hezbollah as a deterrent force to protect Iran from an Israeli attack on the regime’s nuclear program. (BB / VFI News)

“I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.” - Psalm 26:6-7

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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