No end in sight to fighting in Lebanon as Hezbollah continues launching attacks

A ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Shi'ite terror militia Hezbollah appeared to be unraveling almost immediately after it was announced Friday evening, as Hezbollah launched more than 50 rockets, drones and other projectiles at IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon within hours of the agreement taking effect.

The attacks continued into the early hours of Saturday, prompting the IDF to describe them as a "blatant ceasefire violation." One Israeli soldier was killed and 13 others were wounded, some seriously.

The latest exchange underscores the challenges facing efforts to end months of fighting along Israel's northern border, with both Israel and Hezbollah publicly expressing support for the ceasefire while continuing to accuse each other of violating its terms.

The renewed violence comes amid broader regional tensions involving Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States to prevent further escalation.

In response to the attacks, the IDF struck several Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including rocket launch positions, weapons storage facilities and command centers.

The military said that while it remains interested in maintaining the ceasefire, it will continue to "remove any threat posed to the State of Israel and IDF soldiers."

An IDF spokesperson also declared at a press conference on Friday afternoon that "Recent events have made one thing clear: IDF soldiers must stand between Hezbollah and Israeli civilians.”

For its part, Hezbollah told Reuters that it remains committed to the ceasefire but would "not hesitate to confront any attempt by Israel to seize land in Lebanon."

“In light of the claims and lies that the Israeli enemy continues to promote regarding alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement by Hezbollah… Hezbollah affirms that these claims are completely baseless,” said a statement attributed to Hezbollah.

“They fall within the framework of the enemy’s persistent attempts to mislead public opinion and are part of its clear and blatant effort to sabotage the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America,” it continued.

The Lebanese National Army and Lebanon's internationally recognized government also criticized Israel's military actions on Saturday.

Iran likewise condemned the Israeli strikes in Lebanon and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. U.S. Central Command said large numbers of vessels continued to transit the waterway despite the declaration.

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to cease strikes on Hezbollah targets later Saturday afternoon.

Iranian officials also told the Lebanese outlet U News that Iran's General Staff had threatened to launch missiles at Israel if its "aggression against Lebanon continues," although no missiles were fired overnight Saturday.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is expected to be among the issues discussed, along with President Trump's warning that the United States could impose tolls on Iranian use of the Strait of Hormuz if no agreement is reached during the 60-day negotiation period.

U.S. military forces across the Middle East remain on high alert, while the IDF has maintained heightened readiness on all fronts amid continuing regional tensions.