Israel Reports No Ceasefire Orders in Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

Middle Eastern outlets stress that Israeli strikes killing dozens in Lebanon just hours before the ceasefire raise doubts about Israel’s intentions. They point to Netanyahu’s plan to keep Israeli troops in their positions inside Lebanon and the lack of clear ceasefire orders as signs that the pause may lock in Israeli gains rather than end the fighting fairly. They expect regional states like Saudi Arabia to keep backing a truce but warn that any further civilian deaths could push Hezbollah and other groups to resume attacks.

• •Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed dozens of people shortly before the ceasefire was supposed to begin.
• •Netanyahu has said that Israel Defense Forces units will remain in their current positions in Lebanon after the ceasefire takes effect.
• •Saudi Arabia publicly welcomed Trump’s announcement of a Lebanon ceasefire and backed efforts to stop the fighting.
• •Regional coverage questions whether a ceasefire that leaves Israeli troops inside Lebanon can be considered a full end to hostilities.
• •Commentators in the region warn that further Israeli strikes during the supposed truce could trigger renewed rocket fire from Hezbollah.