Netanyahu Orders Halt to Israeli Strikes in Southern Lebanon but Refuses Troop Withdrawal

Netanyahu and Katz's Saturday order directed the army to stop operations but keep troops in place . The decision was reportedly made in coordination with the United States . However, despite the halt order, Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 7 people, including 2 children, according to AP reporting through Lebanese authorities . Other reports put the Saturday toll higher: the Guardian reported at least 16 killed , and the Straits Times (citing Lebanon's state news agency) reported at least 20 killed on June 20 alone . Israel said those strikes were a response to projectiles fired by Hezbollah, with an Israeli military official reporting that Hezbollah launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces .

Challenge to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire framework

Israel's refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon directly undermined the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal signed on June 17 . Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi explicitly stated that the U.S.-Iran agreement requires Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon — a condition Israel has already rejected . Netanyahu declared on June 15 that Israel would keep forces in Lebanon "for as long as necessary," saying he felt no obligation to adhere to the U.S.-Iran deal . Iran pulled out of planned technical nuclear talks in Switzerland on June 19, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon as a violation of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding .

Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure announcement and U.S. dispute

On Saturday, June 20, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil supply — citing rising tensions over Israeli attacks in Lebanon . The U.S. military quickly refuted Iran's assertion, stating the strait remained open . The closure claim came as U.S.-Iran talks were rescheduled for Sunday in Switzerland .

Vice President Vance's departure and diplomatic stakes

Vice President JD Vance departed for further negotiations amid this crisis, with U.S.-Iran talks set for Sunday in Switzerland as both sides attempted to salvage the framework deal . The situation underscored how rapidly a fragile ceasefire could escalate into a broader regional confrontation, with Israel's insistence on maintaining a security zone in southern Lebanon posing a fundamental obstacle to the peace process.