Lebanon

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, talks between the U.S. and Iran that were supposed to take place in Switzerland with mediating countries present have been put on hold בעקבות the latest escalation between the two countries.

Capt. David Hazut, 21, of Ashkelon, a platoon commander in Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion, was killed in combat with a terrorist in southern Lebanon. Another soldier was lightly wounded in the incident. The terrorist managed to flee the scene.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said his organization opposes the agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Hezbollah threatened to continue “the resistance,” and the Houthis called to “bring down the puppet government in Lebanon.” Defense Minister ישראל Katz said: “There is no IDF withdrawal whatsoever.”

Just before *Shabbat*, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that understandings had been reached with the Lebanese government and that a framework agreement had been signed between the two countries. The IDF will gradually transfer responsibility in certain areas to the Lebanese army, while Israel will retain freedom of action until Hezbollah is disarmed.

Israel won recognition for its security zone, but the fine print may decide whether Hezbollah is trapped, or rebuilt

Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, issued a threat against Israel on social media and called on it to withdraw from Lebanon: "This land is a field of resistance and steadfastness, not a playground for occupiers."

The final day of talks between Israel and Lebanon opened under the shadow of an American report claiming the IDF had partially withdrawn from southern Lebanon. Officials in both Jerusalem and Beirut rejected the claim, even as Washington urged the Lebanese army to move into the area.

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, is expected in Israel tomorrow for security talks focused on Iran and Lebanon. At the same time, Washington is advancing a framework under which the Lebanese army would be required to prove control over areas cleared of Hezbollah.

Israeli concern grows after Trump floated a Syrian role against Hezbollah, while Shin Bet says Hamas figures in Turkey directed attacks in Judea and Samaria

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the talks between Israel and Lebanon. Responding to claims from both Israel and the Lebanese government that the agreement between Iran and the United States harms them both, Rubio said: "The Lebanon file is separate from the Iran file."

The Iranian delegation said it is not prepared to continue the talks in Switzerland, after U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview back home: "Iran must immediately stop its proxy in Lebanon from stirring up trouble. If they do not, we will hit Iran very hard."

After two days of intensive talks between the United States and Iran, Vice President J.D. Vance gave a statement to the press and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the discussions. According to him, progress was recorded on several key issues.

Several diplomatic tracks now focus on Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese Army deployment, monitoring mechanisms and a possible Syrian role, while leaving Hezbollah’s weapons unresolved

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday night publicly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy for the first time. Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Netanyahu drew a sharp comparison to how America would respond if terrorists across its border were killing its citizens. Huckabee added with a smile: "Before I came here, I checked to make sure I hadn’t been fired for backing Israel’s operations in Lebanon."

Israel’s Home Front Command said that starting Monday at 6 a.m., the entire country will be considered an area without restrictions. Hezbollah responded: "There is no ceasefire with freedom of action for Israel. The IDF must withdraw."

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment with division and brigade commanders in southern Lebanon following the ceasefire announcement. He said the IDF is operating extensively in the Ali Taher and Beaufort areas.

Reserve Sgt. Alexander Pilin, z"l, a fighter in the Ga'ash Division (36) headquarters, was laid to rest at the cemetery in Haifa after being killed last Wednesday by an explosive device in southern Lebanon. The decorated sniper had spoken with his daughter just hours before he was killed.

President Donald Trump threatened Iran over reports it could close the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country will not stop enriching uranium. Trump responded: "He should keep his mouth shut." On Lebanon, Trump added: "Israel can’t move Hezbollah."

Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ pushed back on reports that new limits had been placed on IDF activity in Lebanon, saying the forces are continuing to operate against threats: "Protecting the lives of our soldiers and our civilians is an absolute top priority."

U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived at the hall in Switzerland where talks between the delegations got underway. Vance said, "Iran is prepared to reduce the level of enrichment." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, "We will never give up our right to enrich uranium."