UMVA has learned that a critical ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed terror group, was set to take effect on Friday afternoon, in a bid to quell the escalating conflict in the region.
The fragile truce, facilitated by the United States, was slated to begin at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, or 4 p.m. local time, with both Israeli and U.S. officials confirming the timing. However, there is currently no clear indication that the ceasefire formally took effect, with discrepancies emerging over its implementation.
A Hezbollah spokesperson has stated that the group will abide by the ceasefire if Israel does the same, but reserves the right to respond to any violation. The spokesperson claimed that Israel was still carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon, even after the supposed start time of the ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to confirm that Israel had continued to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, posting a video on social media that purportedly showed Israeli Defense Forces in action. The timing of these strikes, however, remains unclear.
An Israeli official has insisted that Israel intends to honor the ceasefire agreement, stating that Israel will not engage in hostilities unless provoked by Hezbollah. The official emphasized that Israel's goal is to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The ceasefire agreement comes on the heels of abruptly postponed negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which had been scheduled to take place in Switzerland over the weekend. The reasons behind the delay remain unclear, fueling speculation about the prospects for a broader regional framework.
U.S. President Trump has publicly expressed frustration with Netanyahu over the conflict in Lebanon, urging the Israeli leader to exercise greater restraint in the face of Hezbollah's aggression. Trump emphasized that Israel's military response should be proportionate and avoid causing unnecessary harm to civilians.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has a long and complex history, with the Iran-backed militant group having been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. The latest fighting has centered on Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks from Lebanon, and Israeli strikes aimed at pushing the group back from the border.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that a 60-day framework for negotiations has been established, aimed at securing a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The agreement also includes provisions for the immediate termination of military operations in Lebanon and other fronts.
The Iranian foreign ministry has announced that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. An Iranian official has stated that traffic is moving slowly through the strait due to ongoing mine-clearing operations.
U.S. officials have emphasized that any U.S. force withdrawal from areas near Iran would be tied to a final deal, not required immediately under the initial agreement. The developments in the region remain fluid and uncertain, with the prospects for a lasting peace hanging in the balance.
