Lebanon appeared, following the latest round of the “mini war” that lasted around 14 hours between Israel and Iran, to have returned to the same starting point that existed before this confrontation.

Iran had entered the round under what was described as the false slogan of supporting Beirut’s southern suburbs, as though the systematic destruction of southern Lebanon and the occupation of large parts of it had not warranted support throughout the previous three months.

Meanwhile, Israel was quick to reaffirm its rejection of exempting the southern suburbs from the conflict and to stress that the area remains part of the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Accordingly, the coming days will serve as a renewed field test to determine the real direction of developments on the Lebanese front. There are currently no clear signs of de-escalation, even after the rapid containment of the recent escalation between Israel and Iran.

This makes it more likely that the previous level of escalation will continue along the southern frontlines, while the situation in Beirut’s southern suburbs remains vulnerable to all possible scenarios.

The open-ended possibilities and the outcome of the latest round of negotiations in Washington were the focus of the meetings held yesterday by US Ambassador Michel Issa with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. During the meetings, he reaffirmed the commitment to moving forward with Lebanese Israeli negotiations under US sponsorship.

His tour carried important implications regarding the discussions held with the three leaders on the details of the negotiations and the agreement that was announced.

Amb. Issa after meeting President Aoun: "We have reached a point of no return"

Ambassador Issa was keen to express to President Aoun “my country’s appreciation for the positions he expressed in the important interview conducted with him a few days ago.” He also praised the Lebanese negotiating team, describing it as “highly professional and effective.”

He stressed that “we attach great importance to the Lebanese file. US President Donald Trump constantly speaks about Lebanon, and this is an important factor that the Lebanese should take into consideration, because the US President follows developments in Lebanon on a daily basis."

"President Aoun has chosen the path of negotiations, a course that we support and that helps us make progress toward ending the suffering of the Lebanese people. We believe we are on the right track. The negotiations may take time, as it is not expected that all issues will be resolved in a single meeting. The continuation of these negotiations has a positive impact on the overall course of developments in Lebanon and the region.”

He added, “We have reached a point of no return. The ice has been broken, and we will continue helping Lebanon emerge from its crisis.”

Amb. Issa commits to a ceasefire with Speaker Berri

After meeting Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in Ain el Tineh, Ambassador Issa stated that “there will be a ceasefire. Our decision was for it to be comprehensive, but there was an issue that required further clarification, which we addressed today.”

Regarding the strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, he said, “The strike on the southern suburbs came in response to Hezbollah.”

Asked about communication between the United States and Hezbollah, he replied, “That is incorrect, and I do not know where such claims came from.”

When asked whether he had obtained a commitment from Speaker Berri regarding Hezbollah’s adherence to the ceasefire, he responded, “Ask the Speaker of Parliament. Speaker Berri gave me an answer, and we will see later.”

He also revealed that “the pilot zone will be reopened to its residents, who will return to it. It will be under the protection of the Lebanese Army and will not be subject to Israeli bombardment. There is no point in deploying the army there if there are no people living in the area. What matters to us is that residents return, reconstruction begins, roads are repaired, electricity is restored, and the area becomes a model for others.”

At the Grand Serail, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated to Ambassador Issa that “no one other than the Lebanese state has the authority to negotiate on behalf of Lebanon.”

Netanyahu and Katz reiterate 'Israeli north in exchange for Dahieh' formula

On the Israeli side, following the halt in hostilities between Israel and Iran, Israeli media, citing an Israeli source, reported that the security cabinet meeting held yesterday decided to stop attacks on Iran while continuing military operations in southern Lebanon. The source also confirmed that “there are no restrictions on Israeli army operations in Beirut’s southern suburbs.”

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would not accept the establishment of a formula whereby Iran could target Israel whenever the southern suburbs of Beirut were struck.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that “the Israeli army will continue its operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah,” warning that “any attack on towns in northern Israel will result in an attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs.”

A large and emotional turnout and a solemn farewell marked the reception of the body of the martyred Major Elie Khoury in his hometown of Kfar Jarra (Ahmed Montesh).

Situation in the South border towns continues to deteriorate

On the ground, military activity eased before noon but intensified again later in the afternoon. A volley of rockets was launched from southern Lebanon toward Israeli forces operating inside Lebanese territory. Air raid sirens sounded in several settlements in the Galilee Panhandle.

Earlier in the morning, two rockets fell on the town of Qlayaa, causing only material damage. Several other rockets struck the town of Ain Ebel, injuring a woman and causing significant damage to two homes.

Ain Ebel Mayor Ayyoub Khreich reported that “multiple rocket projectiles landed between residential houses in the town,” stressing that “the situation is not good at all.”

He added, “We are facing shortages of gasoline, diesel fuel, and flour. I do not know how much longer we can hold on. The situation is extremely difficult.”

PM Salam surveys ground developments in latest cabinet meeting

During the regular ministerial meeting held at the Grand Serail and chaired by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Salam highlighted “the dangers of the Iran Israel escalation and its repercussions, particularly the additional waves of displacement it is causing and the challenge of accommodating them."

"We have reached maximum capacity in Beirut, Sidon, and other regions, although there is still some capacity available in northern Lebanon and the Danniyeh area.”

Salam also reviewed the political contacts Lebanon has been conducting as part of its efforts to monitor current developments and address their consequences.

He asked the Minister of National Defense to present an overview of the military developments, their impact, and ways to reduce the burdens resulting from them.

According to the figures presented by the minister, the total number of Israeli ceasefire violations between April 17 and June 7, 2026, reached 3,491 airstrikes.

The minister also reported military and security personnel fatalities since March 1, 2026, as follows:

29 personnel from the Lebanese Army

3 personnel from the Internal Security Forces

1 personnel member from General Security

13 personnel from State Security

1 personnel member from the Parliament Police

He further stated that there had been 407 demolition operations, 6 land clearing operations, and 6 Israeli ground incursions.