How Long Will US-Iran Truce Last? 3 Killed In Lebanon Strikes As Israel Signals No Pause In Ops

Last Updated:June 18, 2026, 18:36 IST

The Israeli military said it will continue operating in southern Lebanon and "remove threats" beyond its so-called security zone.

At least three people were killed in the latest Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday, hours after US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) digitally.

The Israeli military said it will continue operating in southern Lebanon and “remove threats" beyond its so-called security zone. The military also published a map of its declared “security zone" — which runs some 10 kilometres (six miles) inside Lebanese territory.

It said troops would continue to be deployed there “to remove threats and strengthen the defence of Israel’s northern residents".

Hours after the agreement was signed, Lebanese state media reported one person killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon. Israel’s military, meanwhile, announced the death of one of its soldiers the night before during an incident in south Lebanon that also left seven other troops wounded.

The military official on Thursday called on the Lebanese Armed Forces to operate in coordination with Israeli forces and urged Lebanese civilians to avoid entering the security zone.

US-Iran MoU

The US and Iran on Thursday signed the MoU, which declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertook from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other.

The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon and other provisions of this paragraph.

How Was Lebanon Involved In Conflict?

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, drew Lebanon into the West Asia war in March by attacking Israel to avenge the killing of the Islamic republic’s supreme leader at the start of the US-Israeli campaign.

Israel retaliated with broad strikes across Lebanon and by launching a ground invasion into the south, which borders Israel and has long been under Hezbollah’s sway.

Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

Lebanon and Israel have been holding direct talks in Washington since April, seeking to end the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and separate their conflict from the wider regional war.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire following two days of high-level trilateral talks hosted by Washington, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the latest round of hostilities erupted along the border.

As per a joint statement by the US, Lebanon and Israel, the ceasefire is contingent on a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from the area south of the Litani River.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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