Israel and Hezbollah renewed their ceasefire on Friday, with Israel maintaining a security presence in southern Lebanon aimed at addressing threats from Hezbollah, according to officials. Israel's ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, confirmed the ceasefire agreement, stating that Israel has halted offensive operations against Hezbollah. The ceasefire, which began at 4 p.m. local time, was brokered by the United States and Qatar through discussions with Israel and Iran.
Leiter stated, "If Hezbollah honors the agreement and ceases its hostilities, they will be met with quiet." He emphasized that Israel's presence in southern Lebanon is to eliminate Hezbollah's terror infrastructure. The ambassador expressed Israel's desire for Lebanon to prosper but insisted that security cannot be compromised until Hezbollah is dismantled.
Hezbollah, which has been involved in ongoing conflicts with Israel, attacked Israel on February 28 in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Previous ceasefire agreements have been reached but often violated, with Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, stating he would not comply with such agreements.
In recent weeks, U.S. pressure has increased on Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, which Israel occupied following Hezbollah's attacks. Iran has threatened to withdraw from a peace deal with the U.S. if Israel remains in Lebanon. Despite calls for withdrawal, Israel has slightly expanded its security footprint in Lebanon. Israeli officials claim that Hezbollah is violating ceasefire agreements and that they must defend themselves. Earlier on Friday, four Israeli soldiers were reported killed by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, prompting Israeli strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure before the ceasefire was established.
Support for Israel in Congress has been declining, although some lawmakers continue to back Israel and blame Hezbollah for the violence. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that a ceasefire can only occur when Hezbollah ceases its attacks.