Lebanon Ceasefire

The IDF is preparing a major counterterrorism operation in the West Bank after a deadly clash near Tell left two Israelis and four Palestinians dead. The IRGC claimed attacks on US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, while Iran’s foreign minister met with Russian and Pakistani counterparts at an SCO meeting. Lebanon’s prime minister oversaw a controlled return of residents to Zawtar al-Gharbiya under a ceasefire framework. The US completed a 13th night of strikes on Iran, and Brent crude remained above $100 per barrel.

The US completed a 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, while Tehran rejected a US ceasefire proposal mediated by Iraq’s prime minister and threatened to attack Tel Aviv if the war expands. Brent crude surged past $100 per barrel as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea continued to disrupt shipping. Israel conducted controlled blasts in south Lebanon despite a ceasefire framework, and a shooting near the West Bank settlement of Havat Gilad injured an Israeli man.

An explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG terminal killed 13 and injured dozens during a restart attempt, while the US issued a 60-day license for Iranian oil sales as talks continued. The IDF killed a Nukhba terrorist in Gaza and reported confiscating over 240 firearms in the West Bank this year. Diplomatic activity intensified with US Secretary of State Rubio planning Gulf visits, Iranian negotiator Ghalibaf traveling to Oman, and President Pezeshkian set to visit Pakistan.

The first round of US-Iran talks in Switzerland concluded with a 60-day roadmap toward a final deal, though tensions persist over Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. An explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG terminal injured 54 and left 18 missing, shaking global energy markets. The IDF killed two Hamas operatives in Gaza, including a senior engineering officer, and shot dead two Palestinians hurling Molotov cocktails at a West Bank settlement.

Quadrilateral talks between the US, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar began at Bürgenstock, Switzerland, launching a 60-day negotiation window under the Islamabad MoU. The IDF Chief of Staff visited southern Lebanon, emphasizing readiness to resume combat if the fragile ceasefire collapses. In Gaza, journalist Ahmed Wishah was killed, while the Shin Bet revealed it foiled dozens of Hamas attacks directed from Turkey.

President Trump warned the US would resume bombing Iran if the MOU fails, while Hezbollah explosive drones wounded five IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon. The US-Iran memorandum of understanding is set for signing Friday in Switzerland, though its text remains undisclosed. The IDF killed two Hamas October 7 infiltrators in Gaza and confirmed earlier strikes eliminated a hostage-holder and a PIJ commander. In the West Bank, Israeli forces blocked roads near Hebron and settlers burned a mosque. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed despite diplomatic progress.

Bloomberg published the full text of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, revealing limited Iranian commitments and extensive US concessions. Israel-Lebanon ceasefire talks are reportedly close to yielding a lasting deal, while Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters warned of a harsh response if Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue. The IDF conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, and Iran has been launching drones at ships in the Strait of Hormuz nightly since the deal was signed.

President Trump forced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after an expletive-laden call with PM Netanyahu, halting planned strikes on Beirut. Hezbollah continued rocket and drone attacks despite the truce, killing an IDF medical officer and wounding seven soldiers. Iran’s parliament speaker warned talks with the US would halt if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continued. The Knesset advanced a bill to dissolve, moving toward early elections.