Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that took effect on Friday afternoon, offering a respite from escalating hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border and advancing a broader regional de-escalation initiative backed by the United States and Iran.

The ceasefire took effect at 4pm local time (1400 GMT), following a surge in violence that left at least 18 people dead in southern Lebanon after overnight Israeli airstrikes, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Israel also reported the deaths of four soldiers in the fighting.

Israel Defence Forces spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin confirmed the truce, stating that a ceasefire was now in effect while emphasising that Israeli forces remained ready to resume military operations if necessary.

The agreement comes days after the United States and Iran signed a deal aimed at ending the war involving Iran and reducing tensions across the region. The accord includes provisions calling for an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

According to the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, the first provision calls for the “immediate and permanent” cessation of military activities across the region. The agreement also commits all parties to respecting Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The 14-point framework outlines several broader measures, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, guarantees that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, a proposed $300 billion reconstruction programme for Iran, and the eventual removal of all US sanctions on Tehran.

US officials have previously clarified that while Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire arrangement, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is not a requirement under the agreement. They also stressed that Israel retains the right to act in self-defence if necessary.

The ceasefire is expected to reduce immediate tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, although questions remain over the long-term implementation of the broader regional agreement and the future status of Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon.

Source: BBC