Israel’s military operations in Lebanon were scaled back following the recent U.S.-Iran peace agreement, after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to halt its offensive, citing concerns over civilian casualties and damage to public infrastructure beyond Hezbollah targets.
While Israel has largely observed the ceasefire conditions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that security threats against the country still remain.
On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its troops are deployed approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory for what it described as “operational requirements.”
“The IDF is deployed in the Security Zone, approximately 10 km inside Lebanese territory, due to operational requirements. IDF soldiers will continue to remove threats and strengthen the defense of Israel’s northern residents,” the military said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the IDF continues its operations against Hamas in Gaza, targeting members it says are attempting to rebuild the group’s military capabilities.
In a recent operation, Israeli forces eliminated two Hamas militants who allegedly infiltrated Israel during the October 7 attack:
- Ahmad Abu Hin, a sniper cell commander in Hamas’ military wing
- Mahmoud Walid Jabr Abu Hin, a Hamas operative
According to the IDF, both individuals were involved in efforts to reestablish Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure, which Israel says violates the existing ceasefire agreement.
Although Israel has stopped conducting large-scale strikes in Lebanon, tensions along the border remain high. On Wednesday, an explosive Hezbollah drone reportedly detonated near IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon, injuring four troops. A second explosive drone exploded several minutes later, injuring another soldier.
U.S.-Iran Agreement Moves Toward Final Negotiations
The current agreement commits the United States and Iran to negotiate a final comprehensive deal within 60 days. President Trump has warned that the agreement will not survive if Iran fails to comply with its commitments.
If successfully concluded, the negotiations could result in a permanent agreement after the 60-day period.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
- Permanent Ceasefire: Immediate and lasting termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, with both sides pledging not to initiate or threaten war against each other.
- Strait of Hormuz: Reopening of the strategic waterway within 30 days of signing, allowing toll-free passage for international commercial shipping.
- Sanctions Relief: Iran could gain access to a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund and receive relief from U.S. sanctions, contingent upon fulfilling its obligations under the final agreement.
- Nuclear Commitments: Iran must permanently refrain from developing nuclear weapons, reduce its enriched uranium stockpile under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision, and dismantle designated nuclear facilities.
- Regional Stability: Both countries pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while refraining from interference in internal affairs.
- Negotiation Timeline: A legally binding final agreement is expected within 60 days, with the possibility of an extension if both parties agree.
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