Israel and Hezbollah continue strikes despite new ceasefire, U.S.-Iran talks at risk
7 verified5 unconfirmed1 contested
A new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah announced on Friday has failed to halt fighting, with both sides trading accusations of violations. Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including two children and a Lebanese soldier, according to Lebanese civil defense and state media. The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah targets after the group launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces. Hezbollah said it had adhered to the ceasefire and accused Israel of using false claims to justify attacks. The ongoing clashes threaten to disrupt U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, which were postponed on Friday. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was reported to be heading to Switzerland for talks with Iran, while Pakistan’s interior minister traveled to Tehran to mediate. The ceasefire does not address core disputes including Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and the future of Hezbollah’s weapons.
What’s verified
At least 16 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, including two children and a Lebanese soldier.
The Israeli military stated it struck Hezbollah targets after the group fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah stated it had adhered to the ceasefire since Friday evening and accused Israel of making false claims to justify violations.
The ceasefire was announced by U.S. officials on Friday afternoon at President Donald Trump’s request.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was reported to be traveling to Switzerland for talks with Iran to restart the peace process.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Tehran to meet Iranian officials on Saturday, acting as a mediator.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance canceled his scheduled trip to Switzerland for peace talks on Friday due to the renewed fighting.
Where accounts differ
No direct factual contradictions identified across sources. However, Israel and Hezbollah present conflicting accounts of who violated the ceasefire: Israel says Hezbollah breached it by launching projectiles; Hezbollah says it adhered and accuses Israel of launching attacks.
Not yet confirmed
A claim that Israeli forces attempted an infiltration towards the Ali Taher hills on Friday, under cover of the ceasefire, appears in only one source.
A report that Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, may attend peace talks in Switzerland appears in only one source.
The number of people reported trapped under rubble (seven) appears in only one source.
The specific count of 12 wounded transported to hospital appears in only one source.
It remains unclear when the postponed U.S.-Iran talks will resume and whether Vice President Vance will also travel to Switzerland.
Key figures
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
Hassan Fadlallah, senior Hezbollah official
Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy for the Middle East
JD Vance, U.S. Vice President
Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistani Interior Minister
Donald Trump, U.S. President
Effie Defrin, IDF spokesperson (Brig. Gen.)
