Israel, Hezbollah Agree to Fragile Ceasefire in Lebanon
Photo: REUTERS
Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah entered a ceasefire on Friday, a move intended to stabilize a Middle East conflict that has severely tested the interim diplomatic deal between the United States and Iran.
A senior US official, along with Israeli and Hezbollah sources, confirmed the truce began at 4 pm. On the day the ceasefire began, Israeli strikes killed at least 47 people. Israel’s total losses include 32 soldiers and four civilians.
The agreement, brokered by negotiators from the US and Qatar with assistance from Iran, faces immediate scrutiny.
A senior Israeli official defined the nation’s stance, stating, “If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war.” Despite the cessation of major operations, Israeli forces remain stationed in southern Lebanon.
The first hours of the truce proved volatile. Two Lebanese security sources claimed Israel conducted a dozen airstrikes immediately following the 4 pm deadline.
While Israeli military officials denied these specific strikes, many people in northern Israel witnessed ongoing aerial attacks inside Lebanon at around 4:50 pm. Later, at 8 pm, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported a drone strike killed two people on a motorcycle on a southern highway.
The diplomatic backdrop reveals significant tension. Israel was not consulted during the negotiations for the US memorandum of understanding with Iran and has expressed frustration over requirements to halt its campaign.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously vowed to “extract a very heavy price” from Hezbollah following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in a recent attack. Israeli officials also argue the US-Iran pact fails to address Iran’s nuclear program.
Since 2 March, the Lebanese Health Ministry has recorded 3,912 deaths, a figure that includes 746 medics, women, and children.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah noted that Iran had informed the group that “talks with Washington could not continue without a comprehensive ceasefire.”
As the situation remains precarious, the senior US official maintained a cautious outlook, stating, “Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire. We understand that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah are now in a ceasefire.”
Under the broader Iran deal, all parties must move toward a permanent termination of military operations on all fronts.
Source: Reuters (adapted)
