Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that military operations will continue in southern Lebanon’s so-called “security zone.” According to Middle East Eye, Netanyahu stated that the aim of these operations is to prevent any threats against Israeli forces and border towns. Israeli Army Radio reported that the military has established a “yellow line” surrounding 55 villages, where residents have been prohibited from returning.

In Beirut, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said that a ceasefire cannot come solely from the resistance forces and must involve both sides. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he discussed with President Joseph Aoun the country’s readiness for dialogue and the implementation of decisions to bring weapons under state control.

The developments highlight ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and differing positions on how to achieve stability and ceasefire in the region.

Israel’s military has confirmed that at least 14 of its soldiers have been killed and more than 650 injured since the start of its large-scale offensive in Lebanon. The campaign began after the outbreak of war in Iran, prompting Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah to launch counterattacks. According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli assault has displaced more than one million people in Lebanon and caused over two thousand civilian deaths.

Following a joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran, Israel expanded its operations to Lebanon, targeting multiple regions including southern and central areas. Despite a 10-day ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, reports indicate that Israeli forces have continued shelling parts of southern Lebanon. Preliminary assessments by Lebanese authorities suggest around 40,000 homes have been completely or partially destroyed.

The worst damage has been recorded in Beirut’s southern suburbs and across southern Lebanese districts, where returning residents are witnessing widespread devastation after the ceasefire took effect.

The Israeli military announced the establishment of a 'yellow line' in southern Lebanon, similar to the division line previously drawn in Gaza. According to the military, the line separates Israeli-controlled areas from those under Hezbollah’s control. The statement added that several Hezbollah fighters were attacked after allegedly crossing the line and approaching Israeli troops. This marks the first time since the ceasefire that Israel has publicly referred to such a boundary in Lebanon.

The military said that within the past 24 hours, soldiers stationed south of the 'yellow line' identified several individuals crossing from the north, violating ceasefire terms and posing an immediate threat. Israeli forces responded by launching strikes on several areas in southern Lebanon to neutralize the threat. The army reiterated its right to act against any perceived danger despite the ongoing ceasefire.

The report noted that a similar 'yellow line' was drawn in Gaza after the ceasefire took effect on October 10, dividing the territory between Israeli and Hamas control. Israel now appears to be applying the same strategy in Lebanon.

An Israeli soldier was killed in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire currently in effect between Israel and Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF stated that the soldier died from injuries sustained during fighting on Friday, and three other soldiers were wounded in the same incident. The report was carried by the BBC, citing the IDF statement.

The ceasefire between the two countries has been in place since April 16 and is set for ten days, but tensions remain high. The IDF said it continues to operate across southern Lebanon between the Israeli border and the designated demarcation line to eliminate threats, asserting that these actions are consistent with the terms of the ceasefire. Lebanese state media reported that one person was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Friday.

Details about the specific circumstances of the clashes and the identities of those involved have not been released, leaving uncertainty about the scale of the confrontation.

The Israeli military has acknowledged carrying out several artillery and air strikes in southern Lebanon even after a ceasefire took effect. In an official statement, the army said its troops remain stationed in the region and launched the attacks when Lebanese fighters approached their positions. The military described those fighters as an 'imminent threat' and claimed the actions were taken in self-defense.

According to the statement, Israel argued that measures taken for self-defense and to remove immediate threats do not fall under the ceasefire’s restrictions. Earlier reports indicated that Israeli shells struck the Lebanese towns of Beit Lif, Qantara, and Tulin, while Israeli forces continued demolishing residential structures in several areas of southern Lebanon.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights ongoing tensions along the border despite the declared ceasefire, suggesting that the situation remains fragile and prone to renewed escalation.

Israel intends to implement a so-called 'yellow line' in Lebanon, mirroring a strategy previously used in Gaza, according to senior officials of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The officials said residents of 55 Lebanese villages located within this designated area would not be allowed to return. The measure was discussed during a Saturday briefing where IDF officers confirmed that the model used in Gaza would be replicated in Lebanon.

The 'yellow line' concept was originally introduced in Gaza as part of a ceasefire arrangement, creating zones that local residents were prohibited from entering. IDF officials stated that even during a ceasefire, the military would continue to destroy infrastructure within the restricted area. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also said the IDF would maintain control over all territories it had captured.

The report noted that many residents of southern Lebanon had begun returning home following the implementation of a ceasefire, but the new restrictions could prevent those living within the designated zone from doing so.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned Israel’s attack on a key bridge in southern Lebanon, calling for an immediate suspension of arms sales to Israel. According to the organization, Israeli forces destroyed the Qasmiyeh Bridge on April 16, just hours before a ceasefire was declared. The bridge had served as a vital route for delivering food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid to residents of southern Lebanon.

In a statement, HRW said the deliberate strike eliminated the last functioning access route for civilians and aid, raising concerns of disproportionate harm to non-combatants. The group urged that the incident be investigated as a potential war crime. HRW also called on governments to send a clear message to Israel that they would not risk complicity in war crimes by continuing arms transfers.

The organization’s appeal follows growing scrutiny of Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, emphasizing the need for accountability in the use of force against civilian infrastructure.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that the death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 2,294 since fighting began on March 2 between Hezbollah and Israel. The ministry said at least 7,544 people have been injured during this period. The figures were released on Friday, according to the ministry’s latest update.

In recent weeks, Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes and military operations across several areas of Lebanon. The attacks have caused significant damage to civilian lives and property. The Lebanese health authorities expressed deep concern as the number of casualties continues to rise and confirmed that rescue and medical operations remain ongoing in affected regions.

The situation highlights the continuing escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with mounting humanitarian consequences across Lebanon.

An Israeli drone strike in Lebanon during an ongoing ceasefire killed one person, according to reports on April 17, 2026. The incident occurred as Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc sharply criticized the Lebanese government for engaging in direct talks with Israel, calling the move a dangerous concession. Despite the attack, Hezbollah expressed cautious support for the 10-day ceasefire, provided it remains comprehensive and applies across all of Lebanon.

Hezbollah stated that the ceasefire should mark the beginning of a full Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The group credited Iran’s pressure and diplomatic efforts for making the truce possible. In its statement, Hezbollah accused the Lebanese government of abandoning earlier commitments and warned that the ongoing negotiations could undermine national sovereignty.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Hezbollah’s stance may complicate Lebanon’s internal politics and the broader peace process, as tensions persist despite the declared ceasefire.

Displaced Lebanese residents have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon after a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel took effect. Tens of thousands traveled back to devastated towns such as Nabatieh, despite warnings from the Lebanese army to delay their return and Hezbollah’s caution that it remains ready to respond to any Israeli violations. The ceasefire, which followed more than a month of Israeli air strikes and ground operations, has so far largely held, though Lebanon’s army reported intermittent shelling and other breaches. A boy was killed by unexploded ordnance in Majdal Selem, and rescuers recovered 13 bodies in Tyre from attacks that occurred before the truce.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that ongoing military activity could undermine the ceasefire and urged protection for civilians on both sides. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the truce did not end Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the ceasefire a gateway to direct negotiations aimed at securing Israel’s withdrawal and prisoner recovery.

The truce could also ease tensions in broader US-Iran talks, with Pakistan and Iran viewing the agreement as a step toward regional stability.

Thousands of displaced Lebanese have begun returning to their homes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and towns across southern Lebanon after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect. The return started early Friday amid cautious celebrations, with heavy traffic reported on northern roads leading back to the capital’s southern districts. Many returnees expressed joy by flashing victory signs as they made their way home after being forced to flee during the conflict.

Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains tense and far from normal. People are still cautious, and the country faces significant challenges in recovering from the damage caused by the fighting. The ceasefire has temporarily halted hostilities, but rebuilding lives and restoring normalcy will take time for Lebanon’s affected communities.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has warned that its fighters will be ready to respond if Israel violates the newly declared ceasefire. The warning was issued through Hezbollah-owned Al-Manar TV, where the group stated that its fighters would keep their fingers on the trigger to counter any perceived betrayal or deception by Israel.

The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was announced earlier by US President Donald Trump, who said that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to begin a formal 10-day truce aimed at achieving peace. The statement from Hezbollah came shortly after this announcement, signaling the group’s distrust of Israel’s intentions.

The development follows months of tension along the Lebanon-Israel border, and the warning underscores Hezbollah’s readiness to resume hostilities if the ceasefire terms are breached.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon announced by US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire follows weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that began last month. The Saudi statement was released through the country’s official news agency, emphasizing support for peace efforts in Lebanon.

According to the ministry’s statement, Saudi Arabia praised the political leadership of Lebanon for its constructive role during the crisis. The statement specifically commended President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for their positive contributions toward achieving the ceasefire.

The announcement reflects Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of diplomatic efforts to stabilize Lebanon after the recent escalation of violence. The ministry’s remarks align with broader regional calls for de-escalation and political dialogue.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, describing it as part of the main Iran-US agreement mediated by Pakistan. He reiterated that Iran has consistently emphasized the need for a simultaneous ceasefire across the entire region, including Lebanon, and expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people and government.

Baghaei urged displaced Lebanese residents to return to their homes following the ceasefire and stressed the necessity of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. However, Israel has refused to withdraw its troops. Less than an hour after the ceasefire officially took effect, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported continued Israeli shelling in the southern towns of Khiam and Dibbin.

The developments highlight ongoing tensions despite the ceasefire, with Iran supporting regional calm and Israel accused of violating the truce shortly after its implementation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ceasefire in Lebanon as a historic opportunity for peace, while rejecting calls to withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. He stated that Israeli troops remain positioned in an expanded security zone to prevent attacks and cross-border shelling into Israel.

Netanyahu emphasized that his main objective is the elimination of Hezbollah, reiterating earlier intentions to maintain control up to Lebanon’s Litani River. In contrast, Lebanon has demanded a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of displaced residents to their homes.

The report, citing The Guardian, highlights the ongoing tension between Israel’s security stance and Lebanon’s sovereignty demands, suggesting that despite the ceasefire, core disputes over territory and security remain unresolved.