Houthis Signal Continued Military Operations Despite Ceasefire Announcement

Lebanon Celebrates Ceasefire While Houthi Resistance Remains Steadfast

Summary: Houthi Intentions and Maritime Operations

If the ceasefire holds, it could be viewed as a significant legacy achievement for President Biden’s administration as it enters its final days. However, despite the ceasefire agreement, the Houthis have made it clear that they plan to maintain pressure on both Israel and the U.S.-led coalition, particularly through maritime operations and direct attacks. Their continued focus on military activities, such as strikes on Israeli territory and operations in the Red Sea, indicates they are not backing down from their anti-Israel campaign. The Houthis’ leadership has framed the ceasefire as a temporary adjustment, not a strategic retreat, signaling that their broader objectives remain unchanged. This suggests that, alongside Hezbollah and other factions within the Iranian-led Axis of Resistance, the Houthis are committed to a long-term resistance strategy. While there is cautious optimism around the ceasefire, the continued military posturing by Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other regional actors keeps the situation fluid. The conflict remains volatile, and its direction will largely hinge on how Hezbollah and Israel respond, as well as whether the ceasefire holds in the coming days.

Analysis: Current as of 2:00 AM ET (9:00 AM Lebanon Local Time), Four Hours After Ceasefire Announcement on 27 November 2024.

Mixed Reactions in Yemen and Lebanon Following Ceasefire Announcement

Following the ceasefire announcement by French President Macron and U.S. President Biden, reactions from AnsarAllah (Houthi) supporters in Yemen are divided. The announcement has sparked debate about the potential withdrawal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon and the broader regional implications. While some see the ceasefire as a setback, others remain skeptical, believing Israel may not honor the agreement. For many, the news has come as a surprise.

Several prominent Houthi leaders have dismissed the ceasefire as part of broader American efforts they view as insincere. No official statement has been issued by pro-Hezbollah media, but their coverage has largely focused on the return of displaced persons to southern Lebanon. The prevailing narrative suggests that Israel was forced into accepting the ceasefire under the pressure of missile bombardments, face-to-face combat, and drone strikes.

Key Social Media Reactions

A statement from prominent Houthi social media influencer Osama Al Farran, which has been widely shared, reiterated that Yemeni [Houthi] forces will continue their operations against Israel. Al Farran outlined that while the wording of the Yemeni [Houthi] Armed Forces’ statements may evolve, the core objective—ongoing military action against Israel—remains unchanged until the siege on Gaza is lifted and Israeli aggression against Lebanon ends. This suggests that the Houthis are preparing for a protracted conflict, regardless of the ceasefire agreement.

A statement from a senior Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam also praised Hezbollah’s resistance, framing it as a key factor in forcing Israeli concessions. The statement reinforced Hezbollah’s central role in opposing Israeli actions and highlighted the broader strategic importance of Lebanese resistance in regional dynamics.

“We salute the tremendous resilience of Hezbollah... This resistance emerged even fiercer, capable of waging a long-term war of attrition that a fragile enemy cannot withstand,” the statement reads.

The Houthis’ continued praise for Hezbollah and their shared anti-Israel rhetoric underscores the unity between the two factions in their common struggle against Israel, particularly in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Lebanese Army Response

In southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army announced it is working to secure areas in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in line with Resolution 1701. The Lebanese Army has urged caution, advising civilians to delay their return to front-line villages until Israeli forces have fully withdrawn as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah and Population Reactions

Hezbollah’s military wing issued its last statement at 8:00 AM ET (2:00 AM Lebanon local time) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and no further military claims have been made in the four hours since. The statement reaffirmed Hezbollah’s support for the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and its commitment to defending Lebanon. It also confirmed that the Islamic Resistance targeted the Israeli settlement of Even Menachem with a rocket salvo at 2:00 AM local time on November 27.

In southern Lebanon, particularly in Nabatieh, residents are celebrating the ceasefire announcement. Videos circulating on social media show crowded streets as civilians return to their homes and gather in public spaces to mark the occasion.