Tensions persist in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire agreement
On June 21, 2026, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem demanded the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, insisting that only the Lebanese army should be deployed south of the Litani River. Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported shooting four individuals allegedly linked to Hezbollah who entered the Israeli-controlled security zone on a motorcycle and an excavator, resulting in two deaths. Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah condemned these actions as a violation of the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces retain full freedom of movement to eliminate threats and will remain in the security zone as long as necessary. Conversely, Israel announced the lifting of certain restrictions in northern border communities as of June 22, signaling a degree of confidence in the ceasefire stability. UNIFIL noted a lack of IDF attacks on Sunday, though Hezbollah maintains the ceasefire is being violated by the Israeli side. Simultaneously, Iran and the United States are engaged in negotiations in Switzerland, with Iran linking potential agreements to a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.