Israel and Hezbollah Trade Accusations as Fragile Ceasefire Holds

    A precarious ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah appears to be holding, despite mutual accusations of violations and continued military activity on the ground. The quiet, for now, follows one of the deadliest periods of cross-border violence in recent weeks.

    Unconfirmed reports of a truce emerged on Friday, citing Israeli and US media outlets, though no formal confirmation was issued by either party at the time. According to a senior Israeli official cited by Haaretz, the understanding was that the ceasefire would remain in effect as long as Hezbollah refrained from attacking Israel. "If Hezbollah attacks, Israel will respond," the official was quoted as saying .

    Continued Clashes and Casualties

    Despite the reports, hostilities continued. Shortly after the truce was announced, Israeli strikes were reported in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, while sirens sounded in northern Israel over a suspected drone infiltration . The Israeli military stated it had struck dozens of Hezbollah targets, including command centers and infrastructure, in response to what it termed "repeated and flagrant violations" by the group .

    Lebanese health authorities reported that Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on Friday killed at least 47 people, marking one of the highest single-day death tolls in the conflict. The violence also triggered a new wave of displacement, with roads leading north from the combat zones congested with families fleeing the bombardment .

    By Saturday, the situation had escalated further. Israeli officials reported that Hezbollah had fired 147 rockets, 20 explosive drones, and nine anti-tank missiles in a single day . In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had struck 300 targets and eliminated approximately 100 Hezbollah fighters . Lebanese officials, however, reported 111 people killed in Israeli strikes over the weekend .

    Diplomatic Context and Regional Tensions

    The Lebanese front has become a central issue in broader diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran. Tehran has repeatedly insisted that any understanding with Washington must include an end to hostilities in Lebanon . A scheduled meeting between US and Iranian representatives in Geneva was postponed at the last minute after Iran suspended its participation, citing the recent Israeli attacks .

    The postponement highlighted visible differences between Washington and its ally. On Thursday, US Vice President JD Vance publicly urged Israel to "respect" the diplomatic process launched with Iran . Israeli officials, meanwhile, have accused Tehran of encouraging Hezbollah to violate the ceasefire in an effort to undermine the US-Iran agreement and "sabotage the deal" .

    Discovery of Tunnel Network

    In a significant development, the Israeli military revealed it had discovered a major Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon, which it claims was financed and designed by Iran. The IDF said the tunnel, located in the heart of Majdal Zoun, contains over 50 attack drones and eight tons of explosives. According to an Israeli military official, the aerial projectiles found within are capable of reaching the densely populated Israeli cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa .

    The IDF allowed a small number of foreign journalists to inspect the tunnel, which is over 200 meters long and 25 meters deep, featuring four launch shafts and 12 rooms. The army said the discovery of the tunnel, which is close to the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, demonstrates Hezbollah's continued military buildup in defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 .

    A Fragile Calm and Internal Pressures

    On Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited troops in southern Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah had suffered a "severe and significant blow" and is now in a "very difficult position." He acknowledged that the ceasefire is "fragile" and that the military must maintain a high level of readiness for a potential renewal of combat operations .

    Despite the relative calm on the front lines, tensions remain high. The clashes have also intensified domestic pressure on the Israeli government. On Saturday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the military campaign against Iran and demanding accountability for security failures .