Israeli Strikes Hit Lebanon Minutes After New Ceasefire Takes Effect

Israeli forces struck southern Lebanon within minutes of a new ceasefire coming into force Friday afternoon, Al Jazeera reported, with Middle East Eye citing at least four separate strikes after the agreement was scheduled to take hold at 4 PM local time. The truce is the second negotiated stop-the-clock attempt this week, following the US–Iran framework deal signed last weekend.

What we know

Al Jazeera correspondents on the ground reported explosions visible in southern Lebanon almost immediately after the 16:00 Beirut deadline. Middle East Eye, citing Al Jazeera Arabic, counted at least four separate Israeli strikes inside the ceasefire window. Neither outlet has reported confirmed casualties from the post-ceasefire strikes as of this writing.

The new ceasefire arrives after Lebanon’s National News Agency reported 28 killed in Israeli strikes earlier Friday, the deadliest day in the country since the US–Iran deal came into force. The Israeli military separately confirmed four IDF soldiers killed in a Hezbollah anti-armor strike in southern Lebanon earlier in the day.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the continued strikes and called for a “comprehensive ceasefire as fast as possible” before the new 4 PM agreement was announced.

What we don’t know

The terms of the new ceasefire have not been published in full. Whether the post-4 PM strikes represent residual fire from active engagements, deliberate breaches, or pre-cleared targets has not been clarified by either side. The IDF has not, as of publication, issued a statement explaining the strikes inside the ceasefire window. Hezbollah has not commented. This story is developing.

Context

Friday’s events mark the most significant test of the all-fronts clause embedded in the weekend US–Iran framework, which was supposed to extend de-escalation across Lebanon, Gaza, and the Gulf. The pattern — ceasefire announced, strikes resume within minutes — echoes the November 2024 Lebanon truce, which was repeatedly violated in its opening hours before stabilizing.

For markets, the immediate concern is whether Hezbollah responds again. Friday’s tank strike that killed four IDF soldiers came after Israeli operations resumed; another reciprocal escalation would put pressure on the broader Versailles framework that underwrites the Hormuz reopening.

What to watch

1. Whether the IDF or Israeli prime minister’s office issues a statement framing the post-16:00 strikes as defensive, retaliatory, or a breach.
2. Whether Hezbollah responds with rocket fire or anti-armor strikes inside the ceasefire window.
3. Whether the Lebanese government formally protests at the UN Security Council or invokes the US–Iran deal’s enforcement mechanism — if one exists.