Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire, with Hezbollah members prohibited from certain security zones and a halt to militant missile launches. The deal hinges on a complete cessation of attacks by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any violations would result in continued attacks on Hezbollah, potentially even in south Beirut.
The agreement, which includes measures such as disarmament of Hezbollah and IDF presence in the security area, aims to ensure security for residents in northern Israel. However, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the deal as a mistake that could strengthen Hezbollah. The agreement was brokered and announced by the US State Department in an effort to ease tensions in Lebanon and meet Tehran’s demands for a resolution to the Iran war.
Tehran has emphasized that any peace settlement involving the US and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz must involve Lebanon. Recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and retaliatory Hezbollah rocket attacks in Northern Israel have escalated tensions. The agreement stipulates the evacuation of Hezbollah operatives from the area between Israel and the Litani River to prevent further militant activities.
The US will assist in creating zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces will assume control, excluding Hezbollah. Hezbollah, a Shia militia designated as a terrorist group by several countries, has a military presence stronger than Lebanon’s army. Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to resume on June 22.
The conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran involving Lebanon began in March after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in response to an Israeli strike that killed Iran’s leader. As peace talks progress between the US and Iran, Israel has intensified attacks on Hezbollah. Casualties have been reported on both sides, with thousands killed in Lebanon and numerous displaced individuals.
In Gaza, overnight strikes resulted in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians, further complicating the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli airstrikes in response to Hamas attacks have led to casualties on both sides. The ongoing conflict underscores the challenges in maintaining peace in the region amidst escalating tensions.