Israel announced a halt to strikes on Iran but continues to fight Hezbollah in Lebanon - what is known

The Israel Defense Forces announce a cessation of strikes on Iran and continue to fight "Hezbollah" in Lebanon, writes UNN with reference to The Times of Israel.

Details

The Israeli Air Force has not carried out any strikes on Iran since approximately 3:00 AM local time, when, according to the Israel Defense Forces, they launched a wave of attacks aimed at reducing the scale of Iran's ballistic missile strikes on Israel.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military states that it "continues the fight against the terrorist organization 'Hezbollah' in Lebanon."

During a wave of "large-scale" strikes on Iran overnight, Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck ballistic missile launch sites and launchers, "with the aim of significantly reducing and suppressing the scale of launches," the Israeli military said.

"Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by the Military Intelligence Directorate, struck dozens of launch sites, thereby disrupting a larger barrage of ballistic missiles aimed at the State of Israel," the Israel Defense Forces statement said.

Iran continued to shell Israel with ballistic missiles until approximately 3:30 AM local time, the publication writes.

The Israel Defense Forces state that they also struck "key" weapons production facilities in several areas of Iran before the ceasefire.

In accordance with the directives of the political echelon, the Israel Defense Forces ceased fire in the campaign against Iran and remain on high alert, ready to respond to any violation

However, in Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces state that they "continue combat operations and ground operations against the terrorist organization 'Hezbollah'."

Reports of strikes in Lebanon

There have been reports of new strikes in Lebanon after the announcement of a truce with Iran, and Israel has issued new evacuation orders. 

The Israel Defense Forces again called on Lebanese civilians in the southern coastal city of Tyre to evacuate. Meanwhile, Lebanese media report several Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon this morning.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated earlier that the two-week ceasefire in Iran does not apply to Lebanon.

Is Lebanon included in the truce?

At the same time, AP writes that a regional official stated that Lebanon is included in the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.

The official, who is involved in the negotiations and spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the pause applies to "all fronts, including Lebanon."

Pakistan, a key mediator, said the ceasefire includes fighting with Lebanon.

"Hezbollah" announced a ceasefire

According to Reuters, Lebanese "Hezbollah" announced that it ceased fire on northern Israel and on Israeli troops in Lebanon early Wednesday morning as part of the previously announced ceasefire between the US and Iran, according to three Lebanese sources close to the group.

Iran-backed "Hezbollah" is likely to issue a statement outlining its official position on the "ceasefire" and Netanyahu's claim that Lebanon is not included in the truce, three Lebanese sources said.

Hezbollah's last public statement regarding its military activity was published at 1:00 AM local time, stating that it attacked Israeli troops in Lebanon on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, the Lebanese army called on displaced families to postpone their return home, warning of ongoing Israeli attacks and risks associated with unexploded ordnance.

Israel's warning

The Israel Defense Forces, meanwhile, reiterated its widespread evacuation warning for southern Lebanon, as the fight against "Hezbollah" continues despite the ceasefire in Iran.

"The campaign in Lebanon continues, and the ceasefire does not include Lebanon. For your safety, we again urge you to immediately evacuate your homes and immediately move north of the Zahrani River," IDF spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee said on X.

The Israeli military also reiterated its evacuation warning for the southern suburbs of Beirut, as The Times of Israel writes, "Hezbollah's stronghold known as Dahiya," before airstrikes.

"The Israel Defense Forces continue to operate and attack military infrastructure belonging to the terrorist organization 'Hezbollah' throughout Dahiya. The Israel Defense Forces have no intention of harming you, so for your safety, you must evacuate immediately," warned Israeli army spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee.

"Hezbollah's" warning

As AP writes, Lebanese lawmaker from "Hezbollah" Ibrahim Al-Moussawi warned of a response from Iran and its allies if Israel "does not adhere to the ceasefire agreement."

His comment to local TV channel Al-Jadeed is the first from militants in Lebanon since the US and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan.

Iran-backed "Hezbollah" joined the war after shelling Israel with rockets on March 2 in solidarity with Tehran. "Hezbollah" has not made official statements after the ceasefire agreement, but has also not yet announced any strikes on Israel.

Israel denies Lebanon's inclusion in the agreement and stated that it will continue strikes on this small country. Pakistan, France, and Egypt, which helped mediate the agreement, confirmed Lebanon's inclusion, AP indicates.

"The agreement includes Lebanon, according to its terms, and Iran insisted on this inclusion," Al-Moussawi said.

Iran's allies in other countries, including the Iraqi umbrella group "Islamic Resistance," announced a cessation of their attacks.