Netanyahu threatens Beirut strikes; Trump brokers Israel-Hezbollah truce

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Israel will target "terrorist objectives" in Beirut if the Shiite militia Hezbollah does not cease its offensive against Israeli cities and citizens. Netanyahu conveyed this stance during a phone call with Trump, emphasizing that Israel's position remains unchanged.

Simultaneously, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are set to continue operations as planned in southern Lebanon. This comes as the Lebanese embassy in Washington announced that Hezbollah has agreed to halt its attacks on Israeli territory. This cessation is contingent upon Israel stopping its offensive operations in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

President Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that an agreement has been reached for both Israel and Hezbollah to cease their confrontations. According to the U.S. proposal, Israeli attacks on southern Beirut suburbs would stop in exchange for Hezbollah refraining from carrying out attacks against Israel. This ceasefire is expected to be extended to the entire Lebanese territory.

This development follows a period of escalating cross-border tensions. The agreement, if fully implemented, could de-escalate the conflict and prevent further civilian casualties on both sides. The focus now shifts to the adherence of both parties to the terms of the ceasefire brokered with U.S. involvement.