What's happened
Trump has spoken with Netanyahu and indirectly with Hezbollah, indicating Israel will not attack Hezbollah and Hezbollah will not attack Israel. Netanyahu confirms a continued plan to operate in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah’s stance remains unsettled as fighting intensifies near Beirut and across northern Israel.
What's behind the headline?
live update perspective
- Trump has asserted a mutual halt in hostilities via a post and call with Netanyahu, but the situation remains fragile as both sides carry out planned operations and city outskirts experience renewed clashes.
- Netanyahu has warned of imminent strikes on Beirut if Hezbollah does not halt attacks, while the Israeli military continues to operate in southern Lebanon, creating a high-stakes environment for Washington-backed talks in Washington.
- Nabih Berri has signaled Hezbollah could accept renewed cease-fire under U.S. pressure, suggesting a potential path to de-escalation if mutual assurances hold.
- The risk of a broader regional spillover remains as talks aim to widen the non-attack zones and preserve a ceasefire while both sides test commitments on the ground.
forecast
- If the U.S.-brokered framework gains traction, expect a staged withdrawal and intensified diplomacy in Washington this week.
- If Hezbollah or Israel breach tacit terms, the conflict could escalate toward new localized strikes in Beirut’s outskirts or northern Israel.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has escalated since a fragile ceasefire began in April. Israel has accused Hezbollah of repeated violations, while Hezbollah has maintained attacks on northern Israel. A U.S.-brokered proposal involving mutual restraint has circulated, with Lebanese intermediaries signaling some openness to a cease-fire.
Our analysis
France 24 reports Trump’s call with Netanyahu and Hezbollah statements; The New York Times details Netanyahu and Berri positions and the evolving cease-fire discussions; The Times (US) notes Hezbollah openness to a renewed cease-fire via Berri’s interview and Trump’s statements.
Go deeper
- What is the latest on the proposed mutual restraint in the U.S.-brokered talks?
- Are there new reports of cease-fire zones or civilian evacuations around Beirut?
- How might Lebanon's internal politics influence Hezbollah's decisions?
More on these topics
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Benjamin Netanyahu - Prime Minister of Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Hezbollah - Political party
Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Donald Trump - 45th and 47th U.S. President
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
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Nabih Berri - Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon
Nabih Berri is a Lebanese politician who has been the Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon since 1992. He heads the Amal Movement.
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Beirut - Capital of Lebanon
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. No recent population census has been conducted, but 2007 estimates ranged from slightly more than 1 million to 2.2 million as part of Greater Beirut, which makes it the third-largest city in the Levant re