Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a US-backed ceasefire, marking an end to the deadliest conflict between the two in decades. The agreement, supported by President Joe Biden, involves both parties withdrawing from southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the ceasefire's conditional nature, contingent on Hezbollah's compliance. The deal, based on UN Security Council resolution 1701, aims to separate Israel's war fronts and isolate Hamas in Gaza. The ceasefire is seen as a potential model for resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US will oversee the agreement's implementation, with assurances for Israel to act against violations. The ceasefire is expected to lead to negotiations over the disputed land border between Lebanon and Israel.

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a US-backed ceasefire, marking the end of a deadly conflict. The deal, supported by Joe Biden, aims to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon and could serve as a model for resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the ceasefire's conditional nature, warning of military action if Hezbollah re-arms. The agreement, based on UN Security Council resolution 1701, involves phased implementation and future border negotiations. The ceasefire has been met with mixed reactions, with some Israeli leaders criticizing Netanyahu's handling of the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates has arrested three Uzbek men suspected of murdering Israeli rabbi Zvi Kogan, whose body was found in Al Ain. The murder has sparked outrage in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning it as an anti-Semitic terrorist act. The suspects are believed to have been acting on behalf of Iran, although Tehran denies involvement. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and security threats faced by Israelis and Jews globally, particularly in the wake of recent conflicts involving Hamas. UAE officials have condemned the murder as an attack on their values of peace and coexistence.

Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party and war cabinet minister, has threatened to leave the emergency government if a draft bill exempting ultra-orthodox from military service is passed in the Knesset. The Supreme Court has challenged the government to justify the exemption, with a deadline approaching. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of the Likud party also opposes the bill. The issue has been contentious since a 2017 Supreme Court ruling declared the exemption unconstitutional. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has called for Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot to resign if the bill passes, citing security concerns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the bill's passage is crucial for the government's survival.

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called for the international community to designate the Houthi rebels and their Iranian backers, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as terrorist organizations. This follows Western airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for Red Sea shipping attacks. Gallant emphasized the threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions and its use of proxies like the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah to distract from this goal. The UK and US have responded to Houthi aggression, and Israel may also take action. Gallant revealed ongoing military efforts against Hamas in Gaza and the intention to target Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The article also touches on the civilian death toll in Gaza, US frustration with Israel's response, and the pressure on the Israeli government to resolve the hostage situation with Hamas. Hezbollah's intensified attacks on Israel's northern border are also mentioned, with Gallant warning of readiness for both diplomatic and military options.

Israel's defence minister and the IDF chief both acknowledged responsibility for the mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages by IDF forces in Gaza. The hostages were shot despite appearing unarmed, leading to a preliminary IDF investigation that concluded the soldiers acted against rules of engagement. IDF chief Herzl Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant addressed the incident, emphasizing the complexity of the environment in which soldiers operate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sorrow but did not take personal responsibility. Following the incident, protests erupted in Tel Aviv demanding the return of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

The Israeli government has approved a deal with Hamas to release 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a four-day ceasefire and the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners. The deal, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, includes increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ceasefire will allow for the daily release of hostages, facilitated by the Red Cross, and their transfer to Israeli hospitals for medical checks. The agreement has been welcomed by various international leaders, including President Herzog, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Despite the ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war with Hamas will continue until all objectives are achieved.

The Israeli army reported the deaths of 12 soldiers in Gaza, with 10 killed by an anti-tank missile. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed condolences and emphasized the ongoing, complex campaign against Hamas. The IDF claimed to have struck over 11,000 Hamas targets, including a significant strike on the Jabaliya refugee camp, killing a senior Hamas commander and 50 terrorists, though Hamas disputes the number. The strike was condemned by Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The Rafah border crossing opened for wounded Palestinians and foreign nationals, while humanitarian aid into Gaza increased. Israel's northern and southern borders faced attacks from Houthi rebels and Hezbollah, prompting Israeli military responses.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to discuss the Gaza situation, the release of hostages, and the threat of regional war. He emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and preventing further escalation with Hezbollah. Blinken's visit follows his meetings in several Middle Eastern countries. The conflict has led to significant evacuations on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, with Hezbollah intensifying attacks following the assassination of its leaders by Israel.

U.S. President Joe Biden opposes an Israeli ground operation in Rafah, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to find alternative ways to target Hamas. Biden emphasized the need for a ceasefire to facilitate hostage release and humanitarian aid. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned that a ground operation would exacerbate civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. Despite U.S. opposition, Netanyahu insists on the necessity of a ground operation to eliminate Hamas battalions. An Israeli delegation is in Qatar for ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas, which demands a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.