Fighting persisted between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday, even after the U.S.-brokered cease-fire proposal was dismissed by the Iran-backed group. Israeli military forces continued their bombardment of southern Lebanon, prompting an evacuation order for residents.
The cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, conducted in Washington, are now in jeopardy. There is uncertainty surrounding its implementation. Over one million people have been displaced in southern Lebanon since the conflict reignited in March, according to reports from Lebanese authorities. The timeframe for their return remains unclear.
The cease-fire required Hezbollah to withdraw from the border region with Israel and cease their attacks. However, the agreement does not entail any immediate obligations for Israel. Israeli officials stated that military operations would persist until these conditions are fulfilled.
Hezbollah, not a participant in the cease-fire negotiations, and Lebanon’s government lack leverage over the group. On Friday, evacuation orders were issued for Anqoun, a town previously unaffected by such directives. This town currently houses approximately 2,500 displaced individuals, necessitating further departures.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the cease-fire, deeming it an attempt to force Lebanon into submission, describing it as a “humiliating” move. Qassem insisted that a truce must include Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that military operations would continue, and displaced residents would not be permitted to return yet. The conflict threatens to disrupt President Trump’s negotiations with Iran, which may withdraw from peace talks if Israeli attacks persist.
This report includes contributions from Johnatan Reiss and is written by Euan Ward, a Times reporter based in Beirut.