Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the suburbs of the southern Lebanon coastal city of Sour on May 16, 2026. (Credit: Kawnat Haju / AFP)
Lebanon is continuing its efforts to consolidate the cease-fire while Israel continues to act as it sees fit. In this context, everything suggests that Washington is trying to establish new rules of engagement that would effectively restore the situation that prevailed before March 2, 2026 — the date on which Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the regional war. In practical terms, this would mean a complete halt to Hezbollah's attacks against Israeli forces, while Israel would stop its ground operations, end its strikes, and suspend military operations aimed at expanding its control or advancing towards new villages. At the same time, Washington would allow what they describe as Israel's right to self-defense against any threat posed by Hezbollah, including targeting any movement or position linked to the group. Lebanon, for its part,...
Lebanon is continuing its efforts to consolidate the cease-fire while Israel continues to act as it sees fit. In this context, everything suggests that Washington is trying to establish new rules of engagement that would effectively restore the situation that prevailed before March 2, 2026 — the date on which Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the regional war. In practical terms, this would mean a complete halt to Hezbollah's attacks against Israeli forces, while Israel would stop its ground operations, end its strikes, and suspend military operations aimed at expanding its control or advancing towards new villages. At the same time, Washington would allow what they describe as Israel's right to self-defense against any threat posed by Hezbollah, including targeting any movement or position linked to the group. Lebanon, for its...
