In the wake of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, thousands of displaced residents are heading back to their homes in southern Lebanon. The region, a stronghold of Hezbollah, has seen a significant movement of families returning, despite warnings from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to delay their return.

Traffic jams have formed along the main highway between Beirut and the south, with vehicles loaded with families, luggage, mattresses, and other belongings. Many cars display Hezbollah flags waving from their windows, symbolizing support for the group.

Israeli forces remain stationed in parts of southern Lebanon, with their withdrawal expected to unfold gradually over the 60-day ceasefire period. Meanwhile, the Lebanese military has pledged to strengthen its presence in the area, planning to deploy an additional 5,000 soldiers. The military announced it was taking “necessary measures” to complete its deployment and ensure stability in the region.

Despite Israeli warnings to avoid the area for safety reasons, many displaced individuals are eager to return, reflecting the deep connection to their homeland and a desire to rebuild their lives.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that a ceasefire agreement has been reached with Hezbollah in Lebanon, with plans for his security cabinet to approve the deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, any attempts by Hezbollah to rearm will be considered a breach, to which Israel will respond with force. Netanyahu stated firmly, “If Hezbollah breaks the deal, Israel will strike.”

Addressing concerns about the ceasefire limiting Israel’s military flexibility, he asserted that the agreement would not prevent Israel from taking action if necessary. “An agreement can be enforced, and we will enforce it,” Netanyahu emphasized.

The Israeli leader claimed significant military successes during the conflict, including the elimination of Hezbollah’s senior commanders and substantial damage to its infrastructure. He remarked that Hezbollah is no longer the same force it once was, and its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is now “former.”

Netanyahu further noted the extensive military operations targeting Hezbollah’s assets, saying, “The ground feels like it’s trembling in Lebanon.”

Looking ahead, he reiterated his commitment to securing victory, emphasizing a strategic focus on all fronts of the conflict while considering the broader regional picture.

Former President Donald Trump has vowed to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately upon his return to the presidency, citing the need to address illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and trade imbalances.

Proposed Tariffs

Trump stated he would:

• Impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada.
• Add an extra 10% tariff on goods from China, in addition to existing tariffs.

These measures, he said, aim to pressure trading partners to curb illegal activities, particularly the smuggling of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.

The announcement could escalate tensions with the United States’ largest trading partners. Combined, Mexico, Canada, and China account for roughly 40% of the $3.2 trillion worth of goods imported annually by the U.S., making them critical players in global trade.

Economists warn that such tariffs may lead to higher costs for U.S. consumers, as tariffs function as taxes on imports, driving up prices for goods.

• Beijing defended its efforts to combat drug trafficking and warned against escalating trade tensions, emphasizing that a trade war would harm both nations.
• The country’s finance ministry highlighted its role as the U.S.’s top trading partner and reaffirmed its commitment to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which provides trade certainty.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly discussed trade and border security with Trump following the announcement. A Canadian source described the conversation as a “good discussion.”

Trump, sharing his plans on his Truth Social platform, declared that the tariffs would remain in place until Mexico and Canada take decisive action to combat illegal drug trafficking and unauthorized border crossings. He also reaffirmed his goal to hold China accountable for fentanyl smuggling, a critical issue in the ongoing opioid crisis.