Israel continues Lebanon strikes despite ceasefire, threatening Trump's Iran deal
Hours after a US-Qatar brokered truce between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, Israeli airstrikes killed at least five people in southern Lebanon, jeopardising the fragile US-Iran framework agreement.
Ceasefire under fire
On Friday, Israel and Hezbollah reached a truce mediated by the US and Qatar, set to begin at 4 p.m. local time. Within hours, Lebanese state media reported Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon, notably around the Hezbollah stronghold of Nabatieh. Lebanon’s NNA news agency said five people were killed in Arab Salim and other villages, and the Lebanese army accused Israel of “brutal” attacks that undermine stability. The Israeli military countered that Hezbollah fired more than 50 projectiles overnight, prompting retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah targets.
Stability for Israel and Lebanon can only be achieved if Hezbollah stops breaking the ceasefire agreements.
These violations directly endanger the broader US-Iran framework agreement signed on Wednesday, which stipulated a region-wide ceasefire including Lebanon.
US intelligence warns Netanyahu may undermine deal
The Washington Post cited US intelligence reports indicating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to undermine the Iran deal, driven by domestic political pressure ahead of autumn elections. A leading Israeli think tank poll in May showed 70% of Israelis support intensifying the fight against Hezbollah.
Any cessation of hostilities or withdrawal from Lebanon would be seen in Israel as a defeat for Netanyahu.
US officials have privately warned Israel against actions that could jeopardise President Trump’s accord, but the continued strikes amid the truce suggest Netanyahu may prioritise coalition survival over US-led peace efforts.
Diplomats scramble for Swiss talks
The first round of post-agreement talks, planned for Friday at Switzerland’s Bürgenstock resort, was cancelled at the last minute after the Israel-Hezbollah flare-up. US Vice President JD Vance stood down from departure. By Saturday, however, reports emerged that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner were travelling to or already in Switzerland, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi planned to join them. Pakistan, which brokered the original framework, continued shuttle diplomacy: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran to meet parliamentary speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and Araghtschi and discuss next steps.
The price of peace
Iran has tied a final settlement to massive economic concessions. The framework mentions a $300 billion reconstruction fund, though observers say Tehran might accept $24 billion in two instalments. Crucially, Iran demands an end to banking sanctions to regain access to international finance and resume legal oil sales, its main revenue source. Without that, Tehran insists, there will be no final deal. The 14-point agreement also extends the ceasefire by 60 days and reopens the Strait of Hormuz.
- US and Iran sign 14-point framework agreement for regional ceasefire.
- Israel-Hezbollah truce agreed, set to begin at 4 p.m. local time.
- Ceasefire takes effect; within an hour, 12 Israeli airstrikes reported. Planned Swiss talks cancelled.
- Lebanese NNA reports 5 killed in overnight strikes; Hezbollah fires 50+ projectiles. US envoys Witkoff and Kushner head to Switzerland; Pakistan's Naqvi arrives in Tehran.
