A ceasefire in Lebanon — will it hold?

This episode of The Take examines the fragile prospects of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon amid escalating violence and deepening humanitarian crisis. Justin Salhani, a senior producer with Al Jazeera in Beirut, reports from the frontlines, describing a city on edge as rumors circulate about an imminent ceasefire tied to U.S.-Iranian negotiations. Despite widespread celebration among displaced civilians, skepticism remains high—especially given Israel’s history of violating past ceasefires and its continued military presence in southern Lebanon. The war has devastated entire communities, with villages like Naora and Bintajbel reduced to rubble, infrastructure destroyed, and over 1.2 million people displaced. Salhani emphasizes that even if a ceasefire holds, returning home may be impossible due to ongoing Israeli occupation, buffer zones, and the collapse of essential services. The episode also highlights the deep political divisions within Lebanon, with protests against direct negotiations and distrust toward both the government and Hezbollah. With Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s provocative visit to southern Lebanon and ongoing strikes, the path to peace appears fraught with manipulation, broken trust, and unresolved structural violence.