Ceasefire Planned Between Israel and Hezbollah
A ceasefire, supported by the U.S., between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah was set to begin Friday afternoon. This move seems to be part of a broader effort by the United States to reestablish relations with Iran after an unexpected postponement of talks that were supposed to take place in Switzerland.
The ceasefire was slated to take effect at 9 a.m. ET, or 4 p.m. local time, according to high-ranking officials from both the U.S. and Israel. However, there’s still some uncertainty about whether it actually started. The White House hasn’t made any official comment on the matter yet.
A spokesperson from Hezbollah mentioned that the group would adhere to the ceasefire if Israel did the same, but they also emphasized their right to retaliate against any violations. They stated that the ceasefire wasn’t yet in place since attacks were still ongoing in southern Lebanon over an hour after the designated start time.
Israel’s Actions Amid Ceasefire Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video showcasing Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations targeting Hezbollah after the supposed start time of the ceasefire. The timing of these strikes remains unclear, and it wasn’t immediately verified by independent sources.
In his message, Netanyahu claimed that the IDF executed intense assaults on 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and eliminated numerous militants. Moreover, an IDF representative reported that Hezbollah had killed four Israeli soldiers earlier that day during a nighttime incident.
Despite the tension, Israeli officials stated their intention to follow the ceasefire. An official relayed, “If Hezbollah refrains from firing, we won’t either. But if they do, we’ll respond accordingly.”
This ceasefire agreement comes on the heels of postponed discussions between the U.S. and Iran, for which no reason has been disclosed by the White House.
President Trump expressed increasing frustration with Netanyahu regarding the ongoing struggles with Hezbollah, stating, “Mr. Bibi needs to take more responsibility for Lebanon. Too many lives are lost. We shouldn’t have to destroy entire buildings just to target one individual. Not all residents are part of Hezbollah.”
He further noted, although in a somewhat delicate tone, that Israel could exercise more restraint in its military responses when under minimal threat.
Hezbollah is a politically influential and armed Shiite group in Lebanon, recognized by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. Their conflict with Israel spans decades, but the recent hostilities have focused on rocket and drone strikes from Lebanon and Israeli efforts to push back Hezbollah forces from the border.
Meanwhile, a White House representative stated that plans for future discussions are still being organized, with the U.S. delegation poised to move as soon as feasible, although logistics could prove challenging.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry rebutted claims that it had reclosed the Strait of Hormuz, asserting they had implemented measures to ensure safe transit for commercial shipping. Another Iranian official mentioned that traffic there was slow due to ongoing demining efforts.
U.S. officials described a memorandum signed recently as part of a 60-day framework aimed at negotiating a final agreement chiefly focused on Iran’s nuclear program—indicating that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran would be linked to a conclusive deal, but not immediately required.
The memorandum also calls for an immediate halt to military actions on all fronts, including Lebanon, alongside an immediate lifting of Iranian oil sanctions. Future negotiations around Iran’s nuclear stockpile are also anticipated.
Efforts to obtain further statements from the Pentagon, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, and Iran’s Foreign Ministry didn’t yield timely responses.
