Israel: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday, according to a senior US official, following a deadly escalation that threatened broader diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
The ceasefire came into effect shortly before 4 pm local time in Lebanon (1300 GMT). The senior US official said negotiators from the United States and Qatar helped broker the agreement with assistance from Iran.
“We understand that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah are now in a ceasefire,” the official said, confirming that both sides had agreed to halt hostilities after a day of intense fighting.
The development follows violence in southern Lebanon in which 40 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes and four Israeli soldiers died in attacks by Hezbollah militants. The escalation raised concerns that tensions along Israel’s northern border could affect wider diplomatic initiatives involving Iran.
According to the US official, American and Qatari mediators worked extensively to secure the agreement, while Iran also played a role in facilitating the ceasefire. The truce is viewed as an important step toward preserving negotiations connected to regional stability.
The fighting had also disrupted diplomacy, with planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland being cancelled as violence intensified. A senior Hezbollah lawmaker stated that Iran had informed the group discussions with the United States could not proceed without a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry accused the United States of responsibility for Israeli military actions in Lebanon and said it would take necessary measures to protect its interests.
Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Israeli troops retain “full operational freedom” to respond to perceived threats despite the ceasefire. He stated that forces continue operating in the Beaufort Castle area and along the Ali Taher ridge to destroy what he described as major Hezbollah tunnel networks.
“Hezbollah is fighting a defensive battle to prevent our forces from completing the destruction of these infrastructures,” Defrin said.
