Israel denies Lebanon ceasefire imminent, refutes Iranian official’s report of truce

A senior Iranian official told a Lebanese channel that the emerging arrangement is expected to coincide with a ceasefire involving Tehran.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Despite reports of an imminent ceasefire in Lebanon, Israeli officials said no decision has been made, pushing back on claims that a deal is close as fighting with Hezbollah continues more than six weeks after expanding from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The United States is pressing for an end to the fighting along the northern front and for an agreement to be reached, while Israel is seeking to extend operations long enough to carry out additional strikes in Lebanon, according to Walla.

A senior Iranian official told a Lebanese channel that the emerging arrangement was achieved under Iranian pressure and is expected to coincide with a ceasefire involving Tehran.

Reports indicate the effort is intended to provide Iran with an achievement ahead of another round of talks, though officials in Jerusalem reject claims that an agreement is imminent.

Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, reported that a ceasefire in Lebanon could be announced tonight and last for a week.

The report said the move is being advanced under Iranian pressure and is meant to align with a ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

Two Lebanese officials told Reuters they are aware of developing efforts but said they do not have details on when a pause would begin.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the developments in a recorded statement, saying: “Our forces continue to strike Hezbollah. The fighting is focused in Bint Jbeil. Bint Jbeil was Hezbollah’s capital in southern Lebanon. This is the place where Hassan Nasrallah said 26 years ago: ‘The Israelis are a spider’s web.’”

“We are about to decide Bint Jbeil—we are essentially going to eliminate this major Hezbollah stronghold,” the prime minister added.

He also referred to talks underway in Washington with Lebanon, saying: “These negotiations did not take place for more than 40 years. They are happening now because we are very strong, and countries are coming to us—not just Lebanon. In negotiations with Lebanon, there are two main objectives: one is the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the second is a sustainable peace. Peace through strength.”