The US brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but Hezbollah was not part of the agreement that involves them

Hezbollah has officially rejected the new United States-mediated ceasefire deal announced on Wednesday between Israel and Lebanon. While the agreement is being framed as a path toward stability, the fact is that Hezbollah was entirely excluded from the negotiation process.

The Washington Post highlighted that the deal aims to establish pilot zones in southern Lebanon that are free of any non-state armed groups, specifically targeting Hezbollah. Under the terms of the agreement, Hezbollah is expected to stop firing on Israel and vacate the southern region, allowing the Lebanese military to move in and take control. However, without the cooperation of Hezbollah, the reality on the ground remains reportedly tense.

As of Thursday morning, reports indicate that Israel conducted three strikes near the southern town of Nabatieh shortly after the deal was made public. The Israel Defense Forces also issued a warning for civilians to avoid traveling south of the Zahrani River, citing ongoing operations against Hezbollah.

According to reports, Hezbollah was excluded from the first ceasefire, too

Per the Washington Post, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem labeled the deal a “farce” during a speech on Thursday. He argued that the agreement is designed to split southern Lebanon from the rest of the country and provides “freedom to the Israeli enemy to kill in Lebanon.” 

Qassem made it clear where his group stands, stating, “We have given no commitment to anyone.” He also pushed for the Lebanese government to step away from these talks, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory instead. “As long as the aggression continues, we will confront it with all the power we have been given,” he added.

Reportedly, the deal itself gives Israel significant latitude. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the agreement allows Israel to maintain the freedom to strike targets in southern Lebanon and even Beirut if Hezbollah fails to withdraw north of the Litani River. 

Katz noted that the broad latitude given to Israel in the agreement “is an expression of the reality we have created in Lebanon so far.” He suggested that this persistent pressure could eventually lead to a political peace treaty between Israel and Lebanon, provided there is an “uncompromising insistence on the interests of the State of Israel.”

Historically, the Lebanese army has avoided directly confronting Hezbollah, often working alongside the group to avoid domestic friction. Analysts are now worried that if this new plan is pushed forward without careful execution, it could trigger an internal conflict or even a civil war between the two Lebanese factions. 

Per the Washington Post, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has signaled that the security handover could occur within a day, but the logistical and political hurdles remain steep. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing US-Iran negotiations. Iran, which backs Hezbollah, has maintained that its own conflict with the United States and the fighting in Lebanon are deeply linked.  

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with the Lebanese channel Al Mayadeen that, “If Israel attacks Beirut, the result will be the return to war.” He emphasized that the war must either stop in both Iran and Lebanon, or it won’t stop in either place. Iran has, in the past, considered attacks in Lebanon as violations of the US-Iran ceasefire.

Even President Trump has weighed in on the friction, mentioning on a podcast that he had an expletive-laced call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said he felt “perturbed” by Netanyahu “constantly fighting” Hezbollah, and he confirmed that he had to wave the Prime Minister off a potential invasion of Beirut. Despite these tensions, the two leaders reportedly maintain a functional working relationship.

As pointed out by the Washington Post, the lack of involvement from Hezbollah in these negotiations continues to be a primary driver of the ongoing instability. Already, over 700 people have been killed in Lebanon since the mid-April ceasefire was extended. Meanwhile, Israel continues to deepen its operations, with Netanyahu stating at a security cabinet meeting that the IDF is “operating with large forces on the ground and seizing dominant terrain.”