Aoun to Rubio: Ceasefire Is Fundamental Pillar for Lebanese-US-Israeli Talks in Washington Next Week

Israel and the Hezbollah group have agreed to a ceasefire following intense fighting in southern Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of at least 47 people and four Israeli soldiers. This apparent truce emerged after talks between the United States and Iran were canceled due to the escalating conflict, deepening doubts about an initial agreement to end the war in Iran.

The ceasefire was mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Iran, according to regional and U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. A Hezbollah official indicated that an agreement to halt fighting could be announced soon, though he did not confirm it was definitively in place. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had not immediately commented, but he later posted on X that the army had "struck powerfully" 150 Hezbollah targets on his orders. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that Israeli forces were operating in a "forward defense zone" and would continue to do so, indicating no change in operational instructions.

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On my orders, the army struck powerfully 150 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of fighters.

Despite the reported truce, Israeli artillery fire could still be heard from northern Israel along the Lebanese border hours after officials announced the ceasefire attempt. A large explosion was also seen erupting inside Lebanon, according to an AP photographer. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is considered the most precarious aspect of a broader deal between Iran and the US aimed at halting hostilities in Iran and the Gulf, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian and U.S. officials postponed their travel to Switzerland, with Iranian officials insisting that fighting in Lebanon must cease before talks can proceed. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also postponed his trip. The interim deal has halted hostilities in the Gulf and secured the Strait of Hormuz, which had been threatened by Iranian actions. Future talks are intended to establish a permanent end to the conflict, including measures to restrict Iran’s nuclear program, which was the core issue that led to the war between Israel and the US.

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Israeli forces were operating in a “forward defense zone” and will continue doing so.