Continued Clashes Between Israel and Hezbollah Despite Cease-fire

Fighting persists between Israel and Hezbollah, with little sign of easing. This follows the rejection of a U.S.-brokered cease-fire by the Iran-backed militant group. Israeli forces continue to bombard towns in southern Lebanon and have issued evacuation orders.

The violence raises doubts about the agreement reached by Israel and Lebanon this week after direct talks in Washington. Many civilians in southern Lebanon face evacuation orders to leave, despite more than one million already displaced since the war began in March. These civilians have no clear timeline for when they might return home.

The cease-fire depends on Hezbollah withdrawing from Lebanon’s border region with Israel and stopping its attacks. Israel is not required to make immediate concessions, maintaining its military operations until these conditions are satisfied. Hezbollah was not part of the negotiations, and Lebanon’s government lacks the power to enforce compliance.

Evacuation orders on Friday affected towns like Anqoun, about 16 miles from the Israeli border, previously spared from such directives. Anqoun had sheltered approximately 2,500 displaced individuals who now face renewed displacement.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the cease-fire, labeling it a humiliating submission to Israel. He demanded a comprehensive truce including Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, currently occupied since March. Qassem stated, “As long as the occupation continues, the resistance will continue.”

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, indicated ongoing operations against Hezbollah, with no immediate plan to allow displaced residents to return. The conflict complicates efforts by President Trump to secure a deal with Iran, Hezbollah’s main supporter, which has threatened to exit peace talks if Israeli attacks persist.

Johnatan Reiss contributed reporting. Euan Ward is a Times reporter in Beirut, covering Lebanon and Syria.