Hochstein Warns Israel Over Drone Violations in Beirut

The United States has joined France in accusing Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, according to Israeli media reports on Monday. The U.S. specifically raised concerns over Israeli drones operating over Beirut, with the complaint being relayed to Israeli officials by U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein.

On November 27, Major General Jasper Jeffers arrived in Beirut to take on the role of co-chair, alongside Hochstein, for the mechanism tasked with overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, as confirmed by the U.S. Central Command.

This group will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the ceasefire, which went into effect on November 26. The monitoring and implementation team will be chaired by the United States and will include the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Israeli military, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and France.

Hochstein will serve as the civilian co-chair until a permanent civilian official is appointed. This group will oversee the enforcement of the ceasefire, ensuring both sides adhere to the terms. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has been accused of over 52 violations, some of which have been fatal, including airstrikes near Sidon.