U.S. officials confirmed a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 16:00 Friday after talks involving Israel, Iran, Qatar, and the U.S. The IDF said it retains full freedom of action in southern Lebanon, carried out over 150 strikes since midnight, and continues demolishing Hezbollah tunnel systems near Beaufort Castle. An Israeli official told Channel 13 that forces will remain in southern Lebanon with operational freedom. Iran condemned Israeli operations as 'aggressive and terrorist.'
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that U.S. officials announced for 16:00 Friday has taken effect, according to American sources, but the IDF's operational posture on the ground has not changed. In a statement published around 18:00 Jerusalem, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said troops retain 'full freedom of action' in southern Lebanon and have carried out more than 150 strikes since midnight. He described Hezbollah as fighting a 'defensive battle' to prevent Israeli forces from destroying tunnel networks described as the organization's central command centers near Beaufort Castle and Ali Taher Ridge.
As The Zioneer reported at 16:15, an Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire was in effect while the IDF said strikes would continue as needed. The current statement provides the most detailed military account so far. A senior Israeli official told Channel 12 that the ceasefire is 'no novelty' and allows operations to continue. A U.S. official told Axios that Prime Minister Netanyahu 'agreed 100%' to renew the ceasefire, though Netanyahu's office had not confirmed that claim by the time of reporting.
Shortly after the announcement, a hostile aircraft infiltration siren was reported in the Zar'it area; details remain under review. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned Israeli operations as 'aggressive and terrorist,' citing civilian casualties and asserting that the campaign violates a clause of a June 18 ceasefire memorandum. Iran said it reserves the right to take 'all necessary measures' to secure its interests. The initial hours appeared to hold with no immediate reports of major violations, but enforcement terms and compliance mechanisms were not detailed.
3 developments
- StrongSenior US official reportedly says Israel and Hezbollah to cease fire at 16:00
- DevelopingCNN: US relayed Israel's no-escalation pledge to Iran after Hezbollah ceasefire violations
- StrongIsrael agrees to ceasefire on condition it stays in security zone, source says
- StrongIsraeli official: Ceasefire stands, Hezbollah restraint met with Israeli restraint
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