Renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon has derailed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed earlier this week. Iran-US talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were abruptly called off after Iran insisted that the fighting in Lebanon must stop first. The violence has killed at least 21 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers, according to reports. US President Donald Trump reportedly told Israel to agree to a ceasefire, while US intelligence officials expressed concern that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may try to undermine the peace deal to continue the conflict. Meanwhile, the US has announced a new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington next week.
US announces new round of Israel-Lebanon talks amid renewed ceasefire
Al Jazeera reports that a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced, and the US has scheduled talks in Washington. It notes the talks exclude Hezbollah and that fighting continues despite the ceasefire.
DW examines Hezbollah's claim that the MoU is a 'great victory', noting the deal calls for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and an end to military operations. Analysts say it initially favours Tehran, but the outcome depends on enforcement.
Africa News reports that the Iran-US talks in Switzerland were cancelled because of intensified fighting in Lebanon, leaving the next steps unclear. It highlights the precariousness of the Iran deal as neither Israel nor Hezbollah signed it.
Trump told Israel to accept ceasefire amid fears Netanyahu will undermine peace deal
The Independent reports that Trump instructed Israel to agree to a ceasefire, and that US intelligence officials worry Netanyahu will try to sabotage the Iran deal to prolong the conflict in Lebanon. It also includes Trump's defensive remarks about the deal.
The resumption of fighting in Lebanon highlights the fragility of the US-Iran peace deal, as Hezbollah and Israel remain at odds despite the broader framework. The deal's viability hinges on whether Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and whether Hezbollah ceases attacks. The upcoming Washington talks between Israel and Lebanon, excluding Hezbollah, may struggle to achieve lasting peace. The coming 60-day negotiation period will test whether all parties can commit to the terms of the memorandum.
Status of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah
| Outlet | Claim |
|---|---|
| Africa News | Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, with no mention of a new ceasefire. |
| Al Jazeera English | A renewed ceasefire was announced by Israel and Hezbollah, and the US confirmed it. |
| The Independent | Israel said it halted offensive operations and is 'firmly committed' to a ceasefire, but Hezbollah and Iran claim to the contrary. |
The resumption of fighting in Lebanon is a critical test for the US-Iran peace deal. While the deal aims to end the war on all fronts, the lack of direct involvement by Israel and Hezbollah and their continued hostilities threaten its implementation. The postponement of Iran-US talks signals Iran's insistence on linking the Lebanon front to the broader agreement. The upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington, which exclude Hezbollah, may be insufficient to achieve a durable ceasefire. The real question is whether Trump can compel Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and whether Hezbollah will disarm, as the Lebanese government seeks. The coming weeks will determine if the deal holds or unravels further.
Al Jazeera English
Get tomorrow's top stories in your inbox