BEIRUT/WASHINGTON (MNN); Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement agreed to a ceasefire on Friday following days of escalating violence in Lebanon, according to a US official. The truce is seen as a key step in preserving the broader US-Iran agreement aimed at ending conflict across the Middle East.
A senior Israeli official and Hezbollah sources confirmed the ceasefire, which reportedly came into effect at 4:00pm local time. An Israeli official said that if Hezbollah refrained from attacks, Israel would also halt military operations, although Israeli forces would remain deployed in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese security officials reported that Israeli airstrikes continued during the first hour after the ceasefire took effect, though no strikes were recorded after 5:00pm. Israeli military officials denied carrying out the number of strikes reported but acknowledged that military operations had ceased by that time.
Later in the evening, Lebanon’s state news agency reported that two people riding a motorcycle were killed in a drone strike in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.
Before the ceasefire took hold, Israeli attacks reportedly killed at least 47 people in Lebanon, while Israel announced that four of its soldiers had been killed in one of the deadliest Hezbollah attacks of the conflict.
The ceasefire forms part of a wider US-Iran agreement requiring all parties and their allies to immediately halt military operations across various fronts, including Lebanon. Despite the agreement, violence had intensified during the week amid accusations of repeated violations.
A Hezbollah lawmaker said Iran had informed the group that negotiations with Washington could not continue without a comprehensive ceasefire. A US official said mediators from the United States and Qatar, with assistance from Iran, helped secure the agreement.
Israeli officials have expressed frustration over the broader US-Iran accord, arguing that it does not adequately address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. Israel also maintained that it retains the right to respond to threats against its territory and military personnel.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers. Israel said it targeted Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations.
Hezbollah rejected those accusations and instead blamed Israel for breaching ceasefire terms, alleging attacks on civilians, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and continued military incursions.
Overnight fighting centred around the strategically important Ali al-Taher hill north of the Litani River. Hezbollah claimed it ambushed advancing Israeli forces, destroyed three Merkava tanks and targeted troops with rockets and artillery fire.
Since the latest round of hostilities began on March 2, Lebanon’s Health Ministry says nearly 3,912 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, including medical workers, women and children. Israel, meanwhile, reports that at least 32 soldiers and four civilians have been killed during the conflict.
