Ceasefire Agreement Announced
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, according to a US official, following intense Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon that resulted in 47 fatalities.
This agreement comes amid concerns that continued clashes, including Hezbollah's killing of four Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, could jeopardize the broader deal aimed at ending the conflict between the US and Iran.
The Israeli military confirmed that a ceasefire was in effect but later stated that its forces would "continue to remove immediate threats." Hezbollah has not yet officially confirmed the ceasefire; however, its secretary general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, declared:
"The project to eliminate Hezbollah has failed."
Continued Air Strikes and Casualties
Rescue officials in Nabatieh reported to the BBC that at least 12 air strikes occurred since the ceasefire began at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT).
The escalation highlights challenges in controlling the conflict's trajectory, with implications for the US-Iran deal. The memorandum of understanding included a ceasefire in Lebanon and between the US and Iran, but ongoing hostilities have led Tehran to accuse President Donald Trump of failing to restrain Israel.
President Trump has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of senselessly killing civilians in the fight against Hezbollah.
Political Reactions and Tensions
The overnight escalation in southern Lebanon complicates the situation further. While the White House insists a ceasefire is in place, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to the deaths of Israeli soldiers with a stark statement:
"Lebanon must burn... For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, 1,000 Lebanese mothers must weep."
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of seeking "permanent war" and warned that any violations of the memorandum of understanding "will be attributed to the US."
The success of Trump's deal depends on all parties restraining hardliners, yet signs of such restraint remain limited. Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to continue military operations against Hezbollah, while the Iran-backed group has vowed to persist with attacks as long as Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon continues.
Statements from Military and Hezbollah Leaders
Following the ceasefire announcement, Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that Israel would:
"continue to remove immediate threats, respond to Hezbollah's violations, and do whatever is necessary to protect our civilians."
Hezbollah's secretary general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, reiterated on Friday:
"The project to eliminate Hezbollah has failed, and the Israelis will withdraw from every last inch of our land."
Details of the Clashes
Clashes began when Hezbollah claimed to have ambushed an Israeli group in southern Lebanon, destroying three tanks with guided missiles and targeting troops with rocket and artillery fire. Among the four Israeli soldiers killed was a battalion commander.
Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli air strikes killed 47 people, including women and children, and wounded 97.
In the Nabatieh district, the ministry detailed casualties as follows: nine killed in Harouf, seven in Haboush, and six in al-Duweir, including a child.
The country's state news agency described the overnight bombardment across Nabatieh on Thursday as one of the most intense of the war.
Public Skepticism and Diplomatic Efforts
News of the ceasefire has been met with skepticism among displaced Lebanese citizens, who doubt Israel will honor the agreement. One individual told :
"The agreement is good, and we all want an agreement, but the Israelis don't abide by it. How many times have they made agreements? More than once, they don't commit."
The US State Department announced that direct talks between the Lebanese government and Israel will resume in Washington next week, aiming to secure a "lasting peace." Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a "comprehensive ceasefire," including the cessation of "Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory," is necessary for progress in the Washington talks, according to the Lebanese presidency.
Context of the Conflict
Lebanon became involved in the war between Israel, the US, and Iran shortly after the conflict began, with Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel in retaliation for a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader.
Israel responded with a bombing campaign across Lebanon and occupied approximately 5% of southern Lebanese territory, aiming to push Hezbollah fighters away from its northern border.
Since the latest conflict began, more than 3,900 people have been killed, including women and children, and over 11,600 others wounded, according to Lebanon's health ministry.
Approximately one million people remain displaced, and numerous communities in southern Lebanon have been completely destroyed.
