Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire, but fighting continues on ground

Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, set to take effect Friday afternoon, according to Israeli media outlets Haaretz, Ynet, and Times of Israel, citing a senior Israeli official. U.S. media, including CNN and CBS, also reported the truce, citing official sources.

A source from the Israeli government indicated that the truce would only be broken if Hezbollah attacks Israel, stating, "If Hezbollah attacks, Israel will respond. We will continue to thwart threats against Israel." However, on the ground, the situation appeared contradictory. At 5:10 PM local time, Israel reportedly attacked the town of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah drone infiltration sirens were activated in the Israeli border community of Zarit.

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If Hezbollah attacks, Israel will respond. We will continue to thwart threats against Israel.

Simultaneously, Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that the IDF would continue its "mission" in Lebanon until ordered otherwise. He emphasized that any agreements were the government's responsibility and that the military had "full operational freedom to eliminate threats in any area" of Lebanon.

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Any matter related to agreements is the responsibility of the government. Until we receive different orders, we will act according to those of the Chief of Staff of the Army.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier stated that Israel would remain in the "security zone of southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the northern communities." Earlier on Friday, the IDF reported attacking Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, resulting in at least 47 deaths, dozens injured, and collapsed roads as families fled bombardments.

The ceasefire on the Lebanese front was a priority for Tehran during U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, which secured its inclusion in an agreement with Washington. However, Iranian representatives postponed a meeting in Geneva with mediators Qatar and Pakistan, citing Israel's attacks in Lebanon and demanding an end to the occupation of southern Lebanon. They also held the U.S. responsible for not controlling Israel, highlighting growing discrepancies between the U.S. and Israel.

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Israel will remain in the 'security zone of southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the northern communities.'