Middle East crisis live: Conflict continues in Lebanon despite Trump hailing Israeli-Hezbollah de-escalation

Donald Trump announced what he described as a de-escalation agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, claiming the group had pledged not to attack Israel and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to withdraw troops preparing to attack Beirut. Trump expressed hope for the agreement's longevity on his Truth Social platform.

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Let’s see how long that lasts – Hopefully it will be for ETERNITY!

However, Lebanon's embassy in Washington indicated that the agreement would not end the conflict within the country. It stipulates that Israel will refrain from striking Beirut and its Hezbollah-controlled suburbs, while the Iran-aligned group will cease attacks on Israel. Despite this announcement, hostilities persisted in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have advanced deeper than in 25 years. The Israeli military reported intercepting projectiles from Lebanon, with no reported injuries.

Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue military operations in southern Lebanon, making no mention of a new ceasefire. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah suggested the group would support a full ceasefire as a prelude to Israeli troop withdrawal but did not confirm a halt to attacks on Israeli territory. Lebanon plans to pursue an expanded ceasefire in upcoming talks with Israel in Washington.

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Iran considers crossing the red lines in Lebanon and Gaza to mean direct war.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) issued a warning, threatening to open "new fronts" and maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz if Israel's offensive in Lebanon intensifies. The IRGC's intelligence organization stated that Iran considers crossing red lines in Lebanon and Gaza as a direct declaration of war. Iran's foreign minister reiterated that any ceasefire in place is comprehensive and that the US and Israel would be held responsible for any violations.

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Violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation.