Israel Halts Fire in Lebanon but Keeps Troops in Occupied Areas

JERUSALEM, June 20: The Israeli military has reportedly suspended its firing operations in Lebanon while continuing to maintain troops in areas it seized inside southern Lebanese territory, according to Israeli media reports on Saturday. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the decision was made following instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz amid ongoing regional tensions despite a ceasefire and the recent US-Iran agreement. Citing unnamed Israeli sources, the broadcaster said the army had “stopped firing in Lebanon but is not withdrawing from the areas it occupied there.”

The reported move signals a shift toward reducing direct military activity along the Israel-Lebanon border while retaining a strategic presence in contested areas of southern Lebanon. The development comes as efforts continue to preserve regional stability following recent hostilities and amid heightened diplomatic activity linked to the ceasefire arrangements. No immediate comment was issued by Lebanese authorities regarding the report. The continued deployment of Israeli forces inside southern Lebanese territory is likely to remain a point of contention, with questions persisting over the implementation of ceasefire understandings and the future security situation along the border.