Netanyahu Clarifies: No Final Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Agreement Yet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cast doubt on the status of a ceasefire arrangement with Lebanon, stating that the accord has not yet been finalized. Speaking during a cabinet session, Netanyahu emphasized that from Israel's perspective, no agreement currently exists given Hezbollah's rejection of the proposed terms.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Netanyahu told ministers that "the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has not yet been fully formulated, and Hezbollah opposes it, and therefore, from Israel's point of view, there is no agreement currently."

Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir addressed the cabinet, indicating that responsibility for determining the next course of action rests with the political leadership. He underscored that the military remains prepared to intensify operations if required.

Zamir reportedly stated: "If it is possible to reach a ceasefire under conditions acceptable to us, it is better for that to happen today, not a month later, under the same conditions."

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that the security establishment has not yet been directed to activate the agreement. Military operations in Lebanon continue unchanged, with ongoing constraints on activities in Beirut.

Israel's stated ceasefire conditions include the demilitarization of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, preservation of the Israeli-controlled security buffer zone, and the ability to respond to perceived immediate threats. Israeli and American officials have indicated that the Trump administration understands and supports these requirements.

The announcement contradicts a recent US State Department statement indicating that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to implement a ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah's compliance and withdrawal from areas south of the Litani River. That statement followed the latest round of negotiations in Washington.

The American statement had noted that both Israel and Lebanon confirmed the absence of hostile intentions toward each other and committed to continuing direct dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues and pursuing a broader bilateral agreement.