Israel, Hezbollah reach ceasefire deal: Report
Vehicles drive past a billboard bearing a portrait of the Lebanese president at the entrance to Sidon on June 19, 2026, as residents flee southern villages for the capital, Beirut, following Israeli airstrikes across the country's south.
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that will take effect at 1600 GMT+3 on Friday, according to reports, marking a potential de-escalation in regional tensions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
The announcement comes two days after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in a virtual ceremony, raising expectations for follow-up talks in Switzerland. However, the White House said preparations for technical negotiations were still underway and that Vice President JD Vance's planned trip to Switzerland had been postponed.
Despite the US-Iran breakthrough, Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon. Following reports that four Israeli soldiers were killed, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked controversy by writing on social media that “all of Lebanon should burn.”
