Ceasefire Collapses: Violence Flares Between Israel and Hezbollah Despite Trump's Announcement

An apparent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, shattered within hours, plunging southern Lebanon back into intense conflict. The fragile hope for de-escalation evaporated overnight as massive Israeli airstrikes pounded the region, met by Hezbollah's retaliatory anti-tank missile attacks.

Trump had announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to cease hostilities. He further claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had consented to halt a significant military operation threatening Beirut. However, these diplomatic assurances failed to silence the sounds of war on the ground.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that Israeli airstrikes hit multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including the villages of Al-Marwaniyah, Siddiqine, Yater, and Al-Mansouri. A particularly violent explosion shook the municipality of Dibbine, underscoring the intensity of the Israeli air assault.

Hezbollah responded swiftly, detailing its guerrilla actions. The group stated its fighters repelled a ground incursion by Israeli forces near Hadatha using explosive devices. Later, Hezbollah claimed to have targeted two Israeli Merkava tanks in the same area with guided anti-tank missiles, asserting a direct hit. The group also reported targeting another Merkava tank near Al-Bayadah. Meanwhile, air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel as its defense systems were activated.