Israel has said that its ongoing attacks in southern Lebanon are part of the ceasefire agreement and are meant to protect its security. According to Israeli officials, the country has support from the United States to continue operations against Hezbollah. They say these actions follow their military strategy of creating “buffer zones” outside their borders to keep their citizens safe. Israel also claims it is not planning to withdraw from certain occupied areas and is controlling more territory through its military presence and air power. Officials say these operations are within the limits of the ceasefire. However, Israel says any response from Hezbollah is a violation of the agreement. This has led to rising tensions, with both sides blaming each other for breaking the ceasefire.