Israel and Hezbollah have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, according to a US official, following a deadly escalation in southern Lebanon that left at least 47 people dead. The agreement was reached amid growing concerns that continued clashes could jeopardize broader diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.

The Israeli military confirmed that a ceasefire had taken effect but stated that its forces would continue to act against what it described as “immediate threats.” Hezbollah has not officially confirmed the ceasefire, although the group’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, declared that efforts to eliminate Hezbollah had failed.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, rescue officials in the Lebanese city of Nabatieh reported at least 12 Israeli airstrikes after the truce was said to have begun at 4:00 p.m. local time, raising doubts about the agreement’s effectiveness.

The latest violence also saw Hezbollah kill four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, adding pressure on Israeli leaders to maintain military operations. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reacted strongly to the deaths, calling for harsh retaliation against Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of pursuing a policy of “permanent war” and warned that any violation of the ceasefire commitments outlined in the memorandum of understanding would be attributed to the United States.

The ceasefire forms part of wider diplomatic efforts supported by the administration of US President Donald Trump, who has reportedly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over civilian casualties caused during military operations against Hezbollah.

With both sides facing domestic pressure and continued hostilities being reported, the ceasefire remains fragile, and uncertainty persists over whether it will lead to a lasting reduction in violence along the Israel-Lebanon border.