Key facts
- Over 11,000 buildings have been destroyed in southern Lebanon.
- Estimated damages in southern Lebanon total $1.38 billion since March 2.
- A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has largely held in Lebanon.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon indefinitely.
- Israel lifted all war-related restrictions on its northern border areas effective June 22, 2026.
- Israel may partially withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon as part of diplomatic efforts.
- Displaced residents returned to Nabatieh, Lebanon, to inspect damage.
- A nine-year-old Palestinian girl was killed by Israeli forces at a school in northern Gaza.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended a U.S.-Tehran agreement addressing regional conflicts.
A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has largely held in southern Lebanon, marking the longest lull in three months of conflict. This period of reduced hostilities has allowed some displaced residents to return to areas like Nabatieh to inspect damage to their homes and businesses. One resident described the city's destruction as bearable compared to the presence of Israeli forces. However, fears of renewed conflict persist, preventing many displaced people from returning to their homes.
Reports indicate that over 11,000 buildings in southern Lebanon have been completely destroyed, with estimated damages totaling $1.38 billion since March 2. Satellite imagery and verified videos reveal widespread demolition of towns and villages, raising concerns about potential war crimes. In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli troops will operate without restrictions and remain in southern Lebanon indefinitely. Concurrently, Israel announced the lifting of all war-related restrictions on its northern border areas with Lebanon, effective Monday, June 22, 2026, signaling a return to full activity for border communities.
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israel may partially withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon. According to Haaretz, representatives from Israel and Lebanon are expected to discuss which areas would be transferred to the Lebanese army under U.S. supervision. This potential withdrawal is occurring alongside a U.S.-Tehran agreement addressing regional conflicts, a deal defended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, though Israeli and Lebanese representatives were not included in its negotiations.
In a separate incident, a nine-year-old Palestinian girl, Ritaj Abdulrahman Rihan, was killed by Israeli forces while attending a math lesson at a school in northern Gaza. The school was located in an area described as relatively safe.