Tensions between Lebanon and Israel remain high as Hezbollah has dismissed the latest U.S.-mediated ceasefire as “meaningless.”
The statement comes amid continued violence in southern Lebanon, including fresh airstrikes and drone activity reported on both sides.
The ceasefire, originally set to expire on Sunday, was extended for three weeks following discussions hosted by Donald Trump with Israeli and Lebanese officials at the White House.
However, despite the extension, hostilities have not fully stopped, with both sides continuing limited military actions in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah rejects ceasefire terms
Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad said the ceasefire holds no real value as long as Israeli operations continue.
He cited ongoing “assassinations, shelling, and gunfire,” as well as the demolition of villages in southern Lebanon.
Fayyad added that any Israeli attack gives the group justification for a “proportionate response.”
Hezbollah is not formally part of the ceasefire agreement and has opposed direct contact between Lebanon and Israel.
Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes killed two people in the southern village of Touline on Friday.
In response, Hezbollah claimed it downed an Israeli Hermes 450 drone using a surface-to-air missile, while Israeli forces confirmed interception of a drone before it crossed into Israeli airspace.
An Israeli drone was also reported flying over Beirut throughout the day.
Israel continues to maintain a self-declared buffer zone extending 5–10 km inside Lebanese territory, aimed at preventing Hezbollah attacks.
The Israeli military also issued evacuation warnings for residents in the southern town of Deir Aames, citing planned action against alleged Hezbollah activity.
This marks the first such warning since the ceasefire began on April 16.
Rising casualties and human toll
Lebanon’s health ministry says nearly 2,500 people have been killed since March 2 due to ongoing conflict-related violence.
Israel, meanwhile, reports Hezbollah rocket fire and cross-border attacks, with civilian and military casualties on both sides.
War-weary residents have expressed frustration over continued violence despite the ceasefire announcement.
“This is called a ceasefire? Or is this mocking people’s intelligence?” said Beirut shop owner Naem Saleh.
In northern Israel, residents also voiced concern that the truce remains fragile and may not hold.
Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States, Nada Moawad, urged full respect for the ceasefire, saying it is necessary for meaningful negotiations.
Lebanon also hopes for Israeli troop withdrawal in future talks.
Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, said Lebanon must acknowledge Israel’s temporary presence and its right to self-defense.
