Israeli military officers stationed in southern Lebanon said they were not informed in advance about the ceasefire and instead learned of it through foreign media and messaging platforms, according to a report by N12. One officer described the situation as particularly dangerous, saying troops remain on high alert while awaiting formal instructions and still have unfinished operational tasks in the area.

The Israeli military’s official position is that it will continue holding captured territory in southern Lebanon. The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has approved plans to expand operations if necessary. Five divisions are currently deployed in the region and are waiting for guidance on how to proceed under the ceasefire.

Just minutes before the ceasefire took effect at midnight, Israeli forces seized control of the Christophani Ridge in southern Lebanon. Soldiers from an elite unit parachuted into the area to secure an operational foothold ahead of the halt in fighting.

The ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump, who said both sides want peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the truce an opportunity for a historic peace agreement and stated that Israel will maintain a 10 kilometer security buffer inside southern Lebanon during the ceasefire to deter threats from Hezbollah.