The IDF was ordered to cease fire in southern Lebanon Saturday afternoon, following a night of intense fighting on the Ali Taher ridge in which one soldier was killed and 13 wounded. In a separate development, Iran announced it is closing the Strait of Hormuz, citing an Israeli violation of its memorandum of understanding with the U.S.
The cease-fire that held for most of Saturday in southern Lebanon follows a night of heavy exchanges. According to the Zioneer evening summary, IDF commandos continued operations to capture the Ali Taher ridge and its underground tunnel network, described by the military as Hezbollah's main headquarters in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah responded with dozens of rockets, mortars, and explosive drones, killing Staff Sgt. Nir Ben Ari and wounding 13 troops during the night (Friday–Saturday). In response, the IDF launched waves of strikes through the night and morning, targeting dozens of Hezbollah positions and operatives.
The summary reports that Iran then announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the Israeli strikes violated its memorandum of understanding with the United States. The U.S. military stated the strait remains open. Despite the threat, a senior Iranian delegation is reportedly en route to talks with the U.S. in Switzerland. Amid this backdrop, a 'senior political source' in the Prime Minister's Office and the IDF Spokesperson announced a cessation of fire Saturday evening; both sides observed the halt as of writing.
As The Zioneer reported on June 19, four tank crew members from the 52nd Battalion were killed during the initial push to seize the same ridge on Thursday night (June 18-19). A subsequent engagement hours later killed Staff Sgt. Nir Ben Ari. The IDF has stated dozens of Hezbollah operatives remain trapped in the underground network beneath the ridge. The cease-fire status and Iran's strait closure are both developing.
2 developments
- ConfirmedIran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz as Hezbollah rocket fire continues in south Lebanon
- DevelopingUNIFIL: IDF halts village destruction in South Lebanon, sources say
- ConfirmedAmid US pressure and Iran threats, IDF ordered to reduce operations in Lebanon
- StrongIran reportedly closes Strait of Hormuz as IDF braces for multi-day fighting
Source and signal
- Internal intake