Middle East crisis live: Israel to continue ground operation in southern Lebanon despite agreed ceasefire

Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated could take effect within 24 hours pending approval from all parties. However, Israel's defense minister declared that the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will prevent the return of the population. Hezbollah, a key party, has not yet commented on the ceasefire, despite previously opposing the talks. The article also mentions that President Trump is seeking to overcome barriers to an Iran deal.

Iran has warned that Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon jeopardize its ceasefire agreement with the United States. This warning comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs in retaliation for Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel. Iran's Foreign Minister stated that the US agreement was a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, and any violation would constitute a breach of the entire truce. Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran might suspend indirect negotiations with the US and could "activate other fronts." While Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed the Tasnim report, state television indicated a high probability of the ceasefire ending if Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon. The US has attempted to decouple events in Lebanon from its negotiations with Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday. This escalation follows repeated ceasefire violations and attacks attributed to Hezbollah by Netanyahu's office. The Israeli military was directed to attack "terrorist targets" in Dahiyeh, also known as the southern suburbs. These actions have complicated mediation efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict, with Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson stating that Israeli attacks in Lebanon are delaying diplomatic progress. The strikes come after an intensification of hostilities in southern Lebanon over the weekend, including Israeli troops capturing Beaufort Castle and an order to expand ground operations.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a halt in fighting following indirect talks. Trump stated he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and, through intermediaries, with Hezbollah. According to Lebanon's embassy in Washington, Hezbollah agreed to stop attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel ceasing strikes on Beirut and its southern suburbs. Netanyahu confirmed discussions with Trump but indicated Israel would proceed with strikes on Beirut if Hezbollah attacks continue. This development comes amid ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon, which have resulted in significant casualties and displacement. While Hezbollah has expressed support for a full ceasefire, Israel has issued new displacement orders for southern Beirut suburbs and continued artillery fire in southern Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire, following a fourth round of US-mediated talks at the State Department. The agreement includes the creation of "pilot" security zones within Lebanon, from which Hezbollah militants would be banned. This ceasefire is contingent upon a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from areas south of the Litani River. The Lebanese army is expected to take full control of these security zones, though the specifics of their establishment remain unclear.

Benjamin Netanyahu is presented as an obstacle to a potential peace deal between the United States and Iran, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Israel's military operations in Lebanon have become a point of contention, straining the alliance between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Netanyahu faces domestic pressure due to upcoming elections and a pending corruption trial, needing to demonstrate results from his campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Threats of Israeli strikes on Beirut led Iran to pause negotiations with the US, prompting a reportedly tense call between Trump and Netanyahu. While Trump later downplayed the incident, Netanyahu's actions are seen as driven by his need to project strength for electoral survival, potentially complicating US diplomatic efforts.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire to end hostilities, announced by the Trump administration. This agreement is contingent on Hezbollah ceasing all fire and evacuating its operatives from southern Lebanon. The US stated this ceasefire is a step towards overcoming barriers to a broader deal with Iran. The two nations also agreed to establish "pilot zones" under exclusive Lebanese armed forces control. Hezbollah, not a party to the talks, stated it would not accept a partial ceasefire. This development follows continued cross-border attacks and comes as the US seeks to resolve the Iran conflict, which is impacting global commerce and US midterm election prospects.

A recent phone call between former President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly complicated ongoing US-Iran talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. While Netanyahu dismissed reports of friction, the article highlights diverging Israeli and US interests concerning Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Iran insists any ceasefire must include. This comes amid growing American public criticism of US support for Israel, with a Pew Research poll indicating 60% of Americans now hold a negative view. Some conservative figures have also voiced concerns, suggesting Israel influenced the US towards war with Iran, a claim denied by the White House and Netanyahu. Observers suggest Trump may have an incentive to distance himself from Netanyahu to address domestic critics.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed reports of a rift with US President Donald Trump, despite Trump confirming he recently criticized Netanyahu for his actions in Lebanon. Netanyahu stated their relationship remains strong, characterizing disagreements as tactical, similar to those in families, and emphasized their shared goal of disarming Hezbollah. Trump acknowledged he had "harsh words" for Netanyahu over Israel's escalation in Lebanon, which risked derailing US-Iran talks, but also expressed his liking for the Israeli leader. The conflict in southern Lebanon has continued despite Trump's claim that both sides agreed to a ceasefire. Netanyahu asserted that he and Trump share the objective of achieving peace with Lebanon by disarming Hezbollah.

Israel has intensified its strikes in southern Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering an escalation to "crush" Hezbollah. In response to what it called Israeli ceasefire violations, Hezbollah launched several drone and missile attacks on military targets in northern Israel. These escalating hostilities occur amid diminishing prospects for a US-Iran deal, with Iran citing confusion in US positions and Israeli interference. Fighting between the two sides began on March 2, and despite a ceasefire on April 17, exchanges have been nearly daily. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in casualties, while Hezbollah attacks have also caused losses for Israel. Some Israeli ministers are advocating for a broader military campaign.

On day 89 of the war, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people and wounded 40, with intensified attacks and displacement orders issued for towns and villages. Residents fled as Israeli ground forces reportedly advanced deeper into Lebanese territory, raising fears of a broader offensive. In Iran, officials condemned alleged US ceasefire violations near the Strait of Hormuz, describing strikes on Hormozgan province as a "gross violation," while the US stated the actions were defensive. Iran's Supreme Leader warned Gulf states against hosting US military bases. Iran is also seeking the release of $24 billion in frozen assets as part of ongoing negotiations, and internet access has begun to be restored after a nationwide crackdown.

Israel's military has ordered the evacuation of the southern Lebanese city of Tyre and its surrounding areas, stating it will "act forcefully" against Hezbollah. This order follows a new wave of Israeli air strikes targeting Hezbollah in south and east Lebanon, which the military claims is a response to Hezbollah violating a five-week-old ceasefire. Lebanese media reported Israeli strikes killing three people in Choukine. Hezbollah stated it was engaging Israeli troops north of the Litani river. The escalation comes after Israel announced an expanded ground operation following Hezbollah drone attacks. The conflict, which began on March 2nd, has seen ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah despite the ceasefire.

Analysts and rights monitors warn that Israel is exploiting a nominal Gaza ceasefire to systematically dismantle the enclave ahead of elections. Since the ceasefire was brokered seven months ago, Israeli forces have killed at least 880 Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly stalling the peace process to appease his right-wing coalition allies and voters, with elections expected in September. Human rights officials state Israel is engineering a humanitarian disaster by restricting food and medicine. A renewed demolition campaign has forced Palestinians into shrinking spaces, with Israeli forces ordering evacuations before destroying residential blocks. Analysts suggest Netanyahu's actions are driven by a political crisis and a desire for comprehensive military occupation.