Israel Says It Will Continue Operations in South Lebanon Despite Ceasefire Deal

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon will continue for the time being, despite a newly announced ceasefire deal mediated by the United States.

Katz stated that Israeli forces will remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon that Israel considers a buffer zone aimed at protecting northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks. The comments came just one day after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire framework following US-led negotiations in Washington.

Under the agreement, the truce is dependent on what the parties described as a “complete cessation” of fire by Hezbollah, along with the withdrawal of its fighters from southern Lebanon. A joint statement also outlined plans to establish “pilot zones” where the Lebanese army would assume exclusive control, excluding all non-state armed groups.

Despite the announcement, violence on the ground continued. Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least ten people, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli troops in response to what it called violations of the ceasefire arrangement.

Shortly after the agreement was announced, air raid alerts were triggered in northern Israel after what authorities described as a “suspicious aerial target,” though no casualties were reported.

The ceasefire talks represent the fourth round of direct negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials since the conflict escalated on March 2, when Hezbollah resumed cross-border attacks in support of Iran. Further discussions are expected during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a more comprehensive settlement.

However, hostilities have continued alongside diplomatic efforts. Israel said it intercepted a “hostile aircraft” and several projectiles launched from Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah announced rocket and drone strikes targeting Israeli military positions in northern Israel and southern Lebanon.

Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump suggested separating the Lebanon conflict from broader talks involving Iran, although Iranian officials rejected the idea of decoupling the disputes, warning of wider escalation if strikes on Beirut continue.

On the Lebanese side, state media and health officials reported continued Israeli airstrikes across southern and central areas. Among the reported casualties were civilians, paramedics, and members of emergency medical teams, with the Lebanese health ministry stating that at least 130 emergency workers have been killed since the start of the fighting.

Several strikes reportedly targeted ambulances and medical teams linked to Hezbollah-affiliated or allied civil defense structures. Lebanese authorities also said members of the army were killed and wounded in separate Israeli strikes, which the military described as deliberate targeting of personnel and infrastructure.

Both sides maintain that they are responding to violations by the other, while the fragile ceasefire framework remains unimplemented on the ground despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.