Israel, Hezbollah reach ceasefire: Reports
Jerusalem, June 19
Israel and Hezbollah have reached a ceasefire, local media reported on Friday, citing Israeli officials.
The official said Israel would remain in the "security zone" in southern Lebanon. "If they attack us, we will respond," the official was quoted as saying, Israel's Channel 12 reported.
Ibrahim al-Moussawi, a member of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc "Loyalty to the Resistance," said Friday that the group would continue to abide by the ceasefire agreement provided that Israel also respects its terms, Xinhua news agency reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day warned that Israel will not tolerate attacks on its soldiers or its territory, and will exact a "very heavy price' from Hezbollah for killing four soldiers in Lebanon on Thursday.
"I send heartfelt condolences to the families of the Commander of the Armored Corps 52nd Battalion, Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, and of three heroic fighters whose names have not yet been cleared for publication, may God avenge their blood. I also wish a speedy recovery to the wounded in the exchanges of fire yesterday," Netanyahu said, according to a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on X.
"Following the heinous attack by Hezbollah, which is a flagrant violation of the ceasefire, I instructed the IDF last night to strike Hezbollah with force," he added.
According to him, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) struck over 80 terror targets and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Subsequently, the IDF struck Hezbollah command posts in the Beqaa Valley this morning.
Netanyahu also held a situation assessment with the Minister of Defence and the Chief of General Staff.
"My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks," the Prime Minister highlighted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see how quickly things escalate. Netanyahu says he'll exact a "very heavy price" and then strikes over 80 targets. From an outsider's perspective, this seems like both sides are just buying time before the next round of violence. I wonder what the real terms of this "ceasefire" actually are.
As an Indian, I feel for the families of those soldiers who lost their lives. Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon and the three others - their families must be devastated. War is never the answer, but when terrorists attack, what choice does any nation have? India knows this struggle well with cross-border terrorism. Hope both sides show restraint and this ceasefire holds 🤞
This reporting seems biased. The article only quotes Israeli officials extensively, with just one line from Hezbollah's perspective. We need to hear more from both sides objectively. Also, is Channel 12 in Israel a reliable source? The ceasefire deal itself is vague - no UN role mentioned, no details on monitoring mechanisms.
Israel has every right to defend itself. Period. When Hezbollah attacks and kills soldiers, what else is Netanyahu supposed to do? The airstrikes on 80+ terror targets and eliminating dozens of terrorists seems proportionate. India faces similar challenges with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. We need to stand with nations fighting terror, not appease those who violate ceasefires. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
The cycle continues - ceasefire, violation, retaliation, escalation, another ceasefire. Meanwhile, civilians
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