Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged strikes despite the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon on June 3, 2026. This ceasefire, mediated by the United States, is intended to establish a permanent peace but allows Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon to continue. The agreement requires a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of its operatives from south of the Litani River, although Hezbollah was excluded from the negotiations.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the ceasefire, stating that resistance will continue as long as occupation exists. The agreement emphasizes that the future relationship between Israel and Lebanon should be determined by the two governments, rejecting any influence from state or non-state actors, specifically referencing Iran and Hezbollah.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the deployment of the Lebanese army to designated “pilot zones” as part of the first phase to end violence. Experts suggest that the ceasefire functions more like a bilateral de-escalation agreement rather than a traditional ceasefire. Analysts have expressed skepticism about the sustainability of the ceasefire without monitoring and verification, highlighting the challenges faced by the Lebanese military in disarming Hezbollah.
