Iranian representatives, as reported by the Lebanese agency "Younes", warned that "Iranian missiles could be launched at Israel today, on Saturday, June 20, in the evening, if aggression against Lebanon continues". The statement came amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, despite reports of a ceasefire having been reached.
Ceasefire Violations
The situation remains tense: during the past night, Hezbollah fired at least 50 rockets at IDF positions in southern Lebanon. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck dozens of terrorist infrastructure sites and fighters in southern Lebanon. The targets included rocket launchers, weapons depots, and Hezbollah headquarters.
A ceasefire had earlier been reported on June 19 by Reuters, and subsequently confirmed by an unnamed Israeli source, who stated that Israel had agreed to halt military operations against Hezbollah. However, no official statements on the matter followed.
A diplomat from one of the Persian Gulf countries confirmed that the ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hezbollah were reached through the mediation of Qatar, the USA, and Iran.
Israeli Government's Reaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several hours earlier, expressed condolences to the families of the commander of the 52nd Armored Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, and three servicemen whose names have not yet been disclosed, and also wished a speedy recovery to those wounded in combat. On his social media account on X he noted: "Following Hezbollah's criminal attack, which constituted a gross violation of the ceasefire, last night I ordered the IDF to strike Hezbollah hard."
Earlier, according to CNN, the USA had "promised" Iran that Israel would not escalate the intensity of strikes in southern Lebanon, but now, as the source states, "everything depends on whether Hezbollah stops".