🛡️ Israeli Security Policy Remains Unchanged: Israeli leaders emphasized that the ceasefire does not alter Israel's military posture in southern Lebanon.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue responding forcefully to attacks and would remain in the security zone for as long as necessary to protect northern communities. Defense Minister Israel Katz similarly affirmed that the IDF would continue operating throughout the security zone and would maintain efforts to remove threats above and below ground.
Military officials reiterated that forces retain full operational freedom of action against emerging threats and that ongoing operations against Hezbollah infrastructure remain consistent with current policy.
🤝 Ceasefire Implementation: U.S. officials confirmed that the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire formally entered into effect at 4:00 PM local time following mediation involving the United States and Qatar.
The initial hours reportedly passed without major violations. The arrangement is linked to the broader U.S.-Iran agreement reached earlier in the week, although Israeli leaders continue to insist that military deployment in southern Lebanon will remain in place until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that Hezbollah remains committed to the ceasefire provided Israel also adheres to its terms.
🌍 U.S., French and Lebanese Diplomacy: Attention is now shifting toward negotiations concerning the next phase of arrangements in southern Lebanon.
French diplomatic efforts have intensified around the framework created by the recent U.S.-Iran agreement. Lebanese reporting suggests discussions are increasingly focused on Israeli withdrawal timelines, deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Hezbollah redeployment, verification mechanisms, prisoner and missing-person exchanges, and reconstruction programs backed by Gulf states and international institutions.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is expected to participate in a Washington negotiation track from June 23–25. Lebanon is reportedly seeking a defined Israeli withdrawal timetable, while Israel continues to demand Hezbollah's removal from southern Lebanon, monitoring mechanisms and restrictions on heavy weapons.
🇸🇾 Syria Rejects Military Involvement: Following suggestions that Syria could become involved against Hezbollah, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and senior officials reportedly agreed to reject military participation in Lebanon.
Damascus is instead pursuing expanded cooperation with Beirut through diplomatic, economic and administrative channels while emphasizing mutual sovereignty and coordination. Regional sources cited support from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey for maintaining that position.
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