Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah Under Question Amid Delayed US-Iran Talks

A ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group was scheduled to take effect Friday afternoon. This move comes as the U.S. attempts to salvage a broader regional framework with Iran subsequent to the postponement of talks in Switzerland.

The ceasefire was to start at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, which is 4 p.m. local time. This information was confirmed to Fox News Digital by both senior U.S. and Israeli officials. The official introduction of the ceasefire remains uncertain, as the White House has not publicly confirmed its commencement. A Hezbollah spokesperson indicated the group would comply with the ceasefire if Israel reciprocates but insisted on the right to respond to any breach, stating that Israel continued bombings in southern Lebanon past the stipulated time.

If Hezbollah doesn’t shoot, we won’t shoot. If they shoot — we will respond, an Israeli official clarified to Fox News Digital, emphasizing their intention to honor the ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video post the scheduled start time, showcasing Israeli Defense Forces targeting Hezbollah sites in Lebanon. It remains unclear exactly when these strikes occurred, and Fox News Digital has not independently verified them.

Effie Defrin, an IDF spokesperson, reported that overnight strikes by Hezbollah resulted in the death of four Israeli soldiers. An Israeli official reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire, maintaining a stance of restraint unless provoked.

This ceasefire initiative follows the unexpected suspension of planned negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland. The White House has yet to disclose reasons for this delay. Former President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict with Hezbollah. He urged more caution and responsibility, pointing out the unnecessary civilian harm caused during such military actions in Lebanon.

Hezbollah, a Shiite militant faction backed by Iran, operates as both a political movement and a designated terrorist organization by the U.S. Its ongoing conflict with Israel has a long history but has intensified with recent drone and rocket attacks launched from Lebanon targeting northern Israel.

A White House spokesperson explained that logistical complexities and the Vice President’s schedule have postponed the departure for Switzerland, assuring updates on the progression of talks. Meanwhile, misinformation about Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz has been refuted by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, emphasizing the secure passage of commercial shipping in accordance with an existing memorandum.

The memorandum, signed on Wednesday, delineates a 60-day framework primarily targeting Iran’s nuclear agenda. U.S. officials clarified that any American troop withdrawal near Iran aligns with the conclusion of a final agreement, rather than as an immediate action under this preliminary memorandum. The accord specifies the cessation of military actions, including in Lebanon, and covers topics like oil sanctions waivers for Iran and dialogue over its nuclear program.

The U.S. has pursued clarity from the Pentagon, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs but had no responses at the time of publication.