2026 Israel–Lebanon ceasefire

The ceasefire followed weeks of escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, which intensified in March 2026 after regional tensions linked to the Iran war.

Israeli airstrikes and ground operations across Lebanon, combined with Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks toward northern Israel, resulted in heavy casualties and widespread displacement. By mid-April, more than 2,000 people had been killed in Lebanon, and over one million had been displaced.

Prior ceasefire arrangements related to the Iran war did not formally include Lebanon, contributing to continued hostilities and complicating diplomatic efforts.

The Israel–Lebanon peace talks opened between Israel and Lebanon during 2026, following the renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. For the first time since the failure of the May 17 Agreement (1983), Israel and the Lebanese government announced the opening of direct negotiations with the goal of reaching a peace agreement and disarming Hezbollah.

The ceasefire established a 10-day cessation of hostilities, during which both sides agreed to halt offensive military operations.^[13] According to a statement by the United States Department of State, the agreement included the following provisions:^[14]

• A cessation of hostilities beginning on 16 April 2026 at 17:00 EST for an initial period of ten days, intended to enable negotiations toward a permanent agreement.
• The possibility of extending the ceasefire by mutual agreement if progress is made in negotiations and Lebanon demonstrates effective sovereignty.
• Israel retains the right to act in self-defense against imminent or ongoing threats, while refraining from offensive military operations in Lebanon.
• Lebanon, with international support, is to take steps to prevent Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups from carrying out attacks against Israel.
• Recognition of the Lebanese state's security forces as solely responsible for national sovereignty and defense.
• A request for the United States to facilitate further direct negotiations, including on border demarcation and a comprehensive peace agreement.

Hezbollah was not a formal signatory to the agreement, despite being a principal party in the fighting.^[13]

The ceasefire took effect on 16–17 April 2026, following continued exchanges of fire in the hours leading up to its implementation.

Israeli officials stated that forces would remain deployed inside southern Lebanon during the truce. Hezbollah, while not formally part of the agreement, indicated it would respond to any violations, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire.^[13]

Reports of violations and continued tensions emerged shortly after the ceasefire began, with both sides accusing each other of breaches.^[15] Lebanese officials and allied groups warned displaced civilians not to return immediately due to ongoing uncertainty and security risks.^[16]

Attacks by Israel

• On 25 April, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported that six people, four in Yohmor Al-Shaqeef, Nabatieh and two in Safad al-Battikh, Bint Jbeil, were killed by Israeli attacks under the orders of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "forcefully attack Hezbollah targets" after the IDF accused the group of breaching the ceasefire agreement.^[17]
• On 26 April, the Lebanese Health Ministry stated that 14 people, including two women and two children, were killed and 37 others were injured by Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon.^[18]
• On 28 April, Israeli forces launched a double tap strike in Majdal Zoun, killing 9 people, including three emergency workers.^[19] The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a Hezbollah commander operated in an Israeli-occupied area in southern Lebanon, despite providing no evidence.^[19]
• On 30 April, the National News Agency reported that several Israeli attacks targeted places in southern Lebanon, killing at least 28 people. President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel's "continuing violations", stating that "despite the ceasefire, as do demolitions of homes and places of worship, while the number of killed and wounded rises day after day".^[20]
• On 1 May, the Health Ministry of Lebanon reported that 13 people, including four women and a child, were killed by Israeli attacks in Habboush, Zrariyeh and Ain Baal.^[21]
• On 15 May, an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Harouf, southern Lebanon, killing at least six people, including three paramedics.^[22]
• On 19 May, at least 22 people, including several women and children, were killed by Israeli airstrikes in Deir Qanoun an-Naher, Nabatieh and Kfar Sir in southern Lebanon.^[23] The IDF stated that the Israeli military struck "a Hezbollah terrorist in a structure used for military purposes" and "carried out carried out in an area evacuated of civilians, while steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance".^[24]
• On 22 May, six Lebanese paramedics were killed in two separate Israeli attacks in Hanaway and Deir Qanoun an-Naher. The Lebanese Health Ministry condemned the attacks as violations of international law.^[25]

Regional

Hezbollah expressed conditional acceptance of the ceasefire, warning that Israeli military presence in Lebanon would justify continued resistance.^[16]

Lebanese political figures advised civilians to delay returning to affected areas until the terms and stability of the agreement became clearer.^[16]

International

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement and emphasized its importance in reducing violence and enabling humanitarian relief.^[26] The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also welcomed the initiative.^[27] Iran announced that passage of commercial vessels through the Hormuz Strait is completely open during the truce in Lebanon.^[8] Iran later said that it closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to the US refusing to lift its naval blockade.^[9]

• Islamabad Talks
• 2024 Israel–Lebanon ceasefire agreement
• 2026 Iran war ceasefire