Israel continues operations in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that it is continuing military operations in the so-called security zones of southern Lebanon, including in Hezbollah tunnel systems, but has stopped firing in other parts of the country. On 20 June, at least ten people were killed in Lebanon as a result of Israeli strikes. On the same day, Iran announced a new ban on ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday, 20 June 2026, that it is continuing operations in the "security zone" area in southern Lebanon and in Hezbollah tunnel systems, where armed fighters have taken shelter. At the same time, the IDF confirmed that it has stopped firing in other parts of Lebanon after the Israeli political leadership issued the corresponding orders.

Fighting in the so-called security zone

The IDF noted that it is continuing to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure within the "security perimeter", including on the Ali-Taheri ridge, and intends to strike "direct threats" outside this perimeter. According to Israeli military data, over 50 projectiles were fired at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon during the night of 20 June, to which the IDF responded with strikes against Hezbollah targets. Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for the attacks.

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli fighter jets and drones attacked several areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on 20 June. As a result of Israeli strikes, at least ten people were killed despite the announced ceasefire.

Israel on alert due to Iranian threat

The IDF maintained heightened readiness also due to threats from Iran. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah does not provide for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. According to the IDF, dozens of terrorists have been blocked on the Ali-Taheri ridge.

Iran announced on 20 June a new ban on ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing new strikes by the Israeli military against southern Lebanon. The Iranian news agency Mehr conveyed this decision on the same day.