Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire agreement, as stated by a US official. The truce reportedly went into effect at 2 pm UK time (4 pm local time) today. There has been no official confirmation from either Israel or Hezbollah regarding the ceasefire.
Past ceasefire attempts during the conflict have not held. A broad ceasefire was supposed to be in place today across all fronts of the Iran war, including Lebanon, under a deal brokered by the US and Iran.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon overnight, claiming to have eliminated numerous Hezbollah members. Lebanese officials reported civilian casualties, including women and children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the airstrikes as a response to Hezbollah’s prior attacks that resulted in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers. Lebanon’s National News Agency disclosed that at least 16 individuals were killed in Israeli air raids in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah reported intense clashes in the area.
The peace deal between the US and Iran, signed by President Donald Trump, aims to prevent economic turmoil in the US. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran caused oil prices to spike in the West, leading to market instability and inflation.
Iran has demanded Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied regions of southern Lebanon. Netanyahu, facing upcoming elections, has resisted this demand. Trump has expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s actions and emphasized the need for more responsible behavior towards Lebanon.
Planned talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland have been postponed.