A United States official confirmed on Friday that Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, marking a significant development after a surge in hostilities in Lebanon that put the US-Iran interim agreement under severe strain. The ceasefire, which took effect at 4 p.m. local time (1300 GMT), was also verified by a senior Israeli official and two Hezbollah sources speaking to Reuters.
Ceasefire Terms and Reactions
The Israeli official stated, "If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war." He added that Israeli forces would remain stationed in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, two Lebanese security sources reported that Israel conducted approximately a dozen airstrikes within the first hour after the ceasefire began, but no further strikes were recorded after 5 p.m. An Israeli military official confirmed the cessation of strikes after 5 p.m. but denied carrying out a dozen attacks post-ceasefire. A Reuters journalist in northern Israel observed airstrikes continuing inside Lebanon around 4:50 p.m.
Casualties and Violence
According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli airstrikes had killed at least 47 people in Lebanon since midnight. Israel reported the deaths of four soldiers in southern Lebanon, marking one of the deadliest Hezbollah attacks during the conflict. The overall death toll in Lebanon since March 2 has reached 3,912, including 746 medics, women, and children, as per Lebanese authorities. Israel's losses in this round include at least 32 soldiers and four civilians.
Role of the US-Iran Agreement
The ceasefire is tied to the broader US-Iran deal, which requires the United States, Iran, and their allies to declare an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Violence had escalated this week after initially subsiding following the deal's announcement. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah disclosed that Iran informed the group that negotiations with Washington could not proceed without a comprehensive ceasefire.
Negotiations and Israeli Concerns
A senior US official told Reuters that the ceasefire was brokered by US and Qatari negotiators with assistance from Iran. "Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire," the official said. "We understand that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah are now in a ceasefire." Israel, which was not consulted in the negotiations leading to the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, has expressed frustration over the apparent requirement to halt its campaign in Lebanon. The Israeli official noted that Israel retains the freedom to act against emerging threats and threats to its forces and territory.
Violations and Accusations
Israel stated it conducted strikes targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure in response to repeated ceasefire violations by the group. Hezbollah denied any violations and accused Israel of repeatedly breaching truce terms, including those of the US-Iran agreement. A Hezbollah statement condemned Israeli attacks that killed civilians, destroyed homes and infrastructure, and continued ground incursions.
Heavy Fighting Near Litani River
Overnight clashes were concentrated north of the Litani River at Ali al-Taher hill, a strategically important high ground for Hezbollah where Israeli forces attempted to advance, according to a senior Lebanese security source. Hezbollah claimed its fighters ambushed an Israeli force near the hill, destroying three Merkava tanks with guided missiles and targeting troops with rocket and artillery fire. The group later said it attacked Israeli forces attempting to retrieve casualties.
Security Zone and Ongoing Attacks
Israel has established a self-declared security zone in southern Lebanon, aiming to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks. Its forces have been demolishing villages where they allege Hezbollah has embedded itself. Hezbollah has continued launching attacks on Israeli positions this week, including explosive drones that have killed and injured soldiers.
