A U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has faced an immediate setback after Hezbollah rejected key provisions of the deal, raising fresh doubts about efforts to stabilise the conflict and prevent a wider regional escalation.
The agreement, announced following two days of talks in Washington, calls for a cessation of Hezbollah attacks, the withdrawal of the group’s operatives from areas south of the Litani River, and the establishment of security zones under the exclusive control of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the proposal as a final opportunity to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.
However, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the terms in a televised statement, saying any requirement for the group to withdraw while Israeli military operations continue would amount to surrender. He warned that attacks would continue as long as Lebanese territory remains under fire.
Fighting on the ground showed little sign of easing. Lebanese authorities reported casualties from Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, while a United Nations peacekeeper was killed in crossfire near Marjayoun. Israel, meanwhile, said its military operations in southern Lebanon would continue for now, citing ongoing security concerns and the need to counter Hezbollah threats.
The developments come amid broader regional tensions linked to the confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomatic efforts with the United States had yet to produce meaningful progress, while regional security alerts remain in place over the risk of further spillover involving armed groups in Syria and Iraq.