For the people of Lebanon, last week’s agreement to halt the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah comes as a huge relief. The 14-month conflict, sparked by the 7 October 2023 Hamas terrorist atrocities, caused about 4,000 deaths, inflicted appalling destruction and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents on either side of the Israel-Lebanon border. Now there is a semblance of calm. Long may it last.

For the people of Israel, the ceasefire appears more of a mixed blessing. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a famous victory. He says Israelis who fled Hezbollah’s rockets may safely return home – though not yet. It’s undoubtedly true that Hezbollah’s military capabilities and leadership have been significantly degraded. Given Hezbollah joined the conflict to support Hamas, it follows that Hamas has been further weakened by the humbling of a key ally.

Yet Israelis with homes in the north are unconvinced this US-brokered “cessation of hostilities” will be permanent. Many on the right believe the offensive should continue, a........

© The Guardian