Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, informed his Security Cabinet on Friday that no ceasefire agreement has been finalized with Lebanon, despite a joint statement released a day earlier by Washington, Beirut, and Tel Aviv.
Addressing ministers at the opening of the cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said the proposed arrangement remains unacceptable to Hezbollah and stressed that negotiations have not produced a binding accord.
“The ceasefire is not yet finalized,” Netanyahu told the cabinet, adding that “from Israel’s perspective, there is currently no agreement.” He attributed the lack of progress to Hezbollah’s rejection of proposals advanced through US mediation efforts.
During the meeting, Netanyahu also described US President Donald Trump as “a strategic partner of Israel” and underscored the importance of maintaining ongoing dialogue between all parties involved. Meanwhile, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly told ministers that the military remains ready to expand its operations should diplomatic efforts fail.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, Zamir said, “If a ceasefire can be reached on terms acceptable to us, it is better that it happens today rather than a month later under the same conditions.”
Israeli and US officials cited by KAN said the proposed framework includes the demilitarization of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, the retention of an Israeli-controlled security zone, and guarantees allowing Israel to respond militarily to what it considers “immediate threats.” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the outcome of direct talks held in Washington, echoing Netanyahu’s position that no enforceable agreement has been achieved. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, for his part, said the United States would determine the timing and implementation process of any potential truce, which could take effect within 24 hours once approved.
Fighting has intensified in recent days as Israel accuses Hezbollah of breaching a ceasefire that was announced on April 17 and later extended into early July. Israeli troops have pushed more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, marking the deepest advance since 2000. Forces currently hold areas that had been occupied for decades, in addition to territory captured during the 2023–2024 conflict.
Lebanese authorities report that Israeli military operations across the country since March 2 have resulted in more than 3,500 deaths and over 10,000 injuries, underscoring the mounting human toll of the ongoing hostilities.
