Israel continues attacks on Lebanon despite agreeing to ceasefire

What Happened

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Iran, was set to begin at 4pm local time on Friday, but at least 12 Israeli air raids and continued artillery shelling hit southern Lebanon after the deadline, according to reports from the ground. A Gulf diplomat told AFP that the parties 'agreed to halt hostilities' after a surge in fighting that threatened US-Iran negotiations over a broader regional peace deal. The Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli attacks since midnight killed at least 47 people and wounded 97 others. Israel's military spokesperson said Israeli forces would retain 'operational freedom' to respond to perceived threats, while a Hezbollah official told Al Jazeera the ceasefire would hold if Israel abided by it. Meanwhile, planned talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland were called off after Iranian officials refused to travel until the fighting in Lebanon stopped, with Iran's Foreign Ministry stating that consultations continue through mediators and that the US bears direct responsibility under the June 18 MoU, which stipulates ending the war in Lebanon as integral to the broader ceasefire arrangement. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly called for Lebanon to be 'burned' after four Israeli soldiers were killed, prompting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to denounce the Israeli government as a 'genocidal death cult' pursuing 'permanent war.'

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The immediate violation of the ceasefire despite high-level mediation risks collapsing the fragile truce and reigniting full-scale hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which would derail the broader US-Iran diplomatic track intended to stabilize the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The public calls for 'permanent war' by an Israeli cabinet member and Iran's sharp response underscore the deep ideological divide and absence of trust, threatening any sustainable de-escalation and potentially drawing in wider regional powers.

Watch For

Whether the ceasefire holds or collapses in the coming hours and days, as both sides test each other's red lines. Key indicators include any significant Hezbollah retaliation, further Israeli strikes, or a formal diplomatic intervention by the US or Qatar to enforce the truce. The resumption of US-Iran talks hinges on a verified cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, making the situation on the ground directly tied to the diplomatic calendar. Watch for any Israeli cabinet decisions on escalation, particularly if far-right ministers pressure Netanyahu, and for Iranian statements or actions regarding its allies.