Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, set to begin at 4 PM local time. The deal follows an escalation that saw at least 18 people killed in southern Lebanon.
The agreement between Israel and Hezbollah marks a significant de-escalation in a volatile region, potentially easing broader geopolitical tensions linked to the US-Iran framework deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, citing security requirements and the necessity of a "security zone" to protect northern Israeli communities. The Lebanese government considers the Israeli-controlled area to be occupied Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah claimed to have attacked advancing Israeli forces, destroying three Merkava tanks. A framework agreement between the United States and Iran aims to end regional conflicts but does not explicitly mandate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah identified as Iran's most significant regional ally.
Netanyahu also hailed a "historic victory over Iran," asserting that Israeli forces would remain in security zones "for as long as necessary." The interim deal between the US and Iran reportedly includes a ceasefire in Lebanon, though US officials have reassured Israel that withdrawal is not a condition of the pact. Israeli media, however, reportedly described the agreement as an "abject failure."
Despite the deal, sporadic violence persisted in southern Lebanon, with an Israeli drone strike killing one person and Hezbollah claiming to have attacked an advancing Israeli force. Hezbollah welcomed the US-Iran deal, linking its ceasefire adherence to Israel's compliance, while Israeli military sources indicated forces would refrain from attacking in Lebanon if Hezbollah respected the ceasefire. Concerns were raised by Israeli officials and commentators that the deal could strengthen Hezbollah and other Iran-backed militant groups.