The fragile ceasefire that was supposed to stabilize Israel’s northern border is wobbling dangerously, even as diplomats scramble to paper over the cracks. This week’s rare decision to include civilian representatives in the U.S.-chaired committee monitoring the truce was a diplomatic nicety, but it hasn’t stopped violence or the mutual distrust that feeds it. Americans should understand that symbolism won’t protect towns on Israel’s border if Tehran’s proxies keep stockpiling rockets and hiding behind civilians.
Israel has sensibly refused to abandon hard-won defensive positions while Hezbollah remains an active threat just across the Blue Line, keeping troops at five strategic points to deter fresh attacks. Critics who scream “withdraw” without demanding disarmament are offering moral support to extremists and abandoning Israeli civilians to the mercy of terrorists. A responsible America must back allies who defend their people, not lecture them from the sidelines while Tehran’s tentacles grow bolder.
On the ground the IDF’s campaign since the ceasefire went into effect has significantly weakened Hezbollah’s military capacity, striking weapons sites and command hubs that would otherwise rain death on northern Israel. These are not enterprising mistakes; they are deliberate operations to degrade a terror machine that has spent decades targeting civilians. We should applaud the determination to remove the tools of aggression and pressure partners in Beirut to enforce true disarmament.
Hezbollah’s leaders continue to threaten retaliation and keep the option of renewed warfare on the table, which proves the point that the group cannot be left armed and politically untethered. Their public saber-rattling is a reminder that we are dealing with an Iranian proxy, not a legitimate state actor interested in peace. Americans who care about real security should recognize that appeasement here would only invite another round of bloodshed.
Part of the problem is the failure of Lebanon’s institutions to fully implement the ceasefire terms and clear Hezbollah’s arsenals, a vacuum the United Nations and some international actors have failed to close decisively. That delay — and the persistent allegations of violations by both sides — makes a quick withdrawal irresponsible and dangerous for civilians on both sides of the border. If we want stability, it demands concrete disarmament and accountability, not cheerleading for premature exits that leave terror groups intact.
Washington must stand squarely with Israel and push harder for enforcement mechanisms that actually work: credible pressure on Lebanon to act, sanctions on those who enable Hezbollah, and robust intelligence and logistical support for defensive operations. This is not the moment for weak-kneed internationalism or endless “dialogue” that rewards bad actors; it is the moment for principled resolve and smart power. Hardworking Americans and their allies deserve a stable Middle East where free people are defended and terrorists are denied sanctuary.
