Middle East updates: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended to Feb. 18

Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. are negotiating the release of Lebanese prisoners.

Last Updated: January 26, 2025, 7:39 PM EST

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza went into effect a week ago. Hostages held in the strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released under the multi-phased deal.

Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.

Jan 23, 2025, 12:40 PM EST

Israel says there is 'much more work to do' in Lebanon

While the Israeli government said there have been "positive movements" where the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon have taken control from Hezbollah forces, there is still work to be done, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer told ABC News.

"There is much more work to do. Israel has made clear that they wish for this agreement to endure. Israel will certainly enforce this agreement as well as adhering to this agreement. But the movements have not been fast enough," Mencer said.

Jan 23, 2025, 11:34 AM EST

Lebanese army says it's ready to deploy to the south

The Lebanese army said it is ready to deploy to the country's south after the Israeli army withdraws from the region, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement signed last year.

Civilians should not yet return to areas that Israel is withdrawing from, and should continue to follow the instructions of the military units until deployment ends, the Lebanese army said. Specialized units will still need to clear areas of mines and suspicious objects left by Israeli forces, the Lebanese army said.

Lebanese military units completed their deployment at several points in the town of Kfar Shuba, Hasbaya, in the eastern sector after the withdrawal of the Israeli troops.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon also said it is ready to support the Lebanese army after Israel withdraws.

Israel is required by the ceasefire to withdraw by Sunday.

Jan 22, 2025, 11:28 AM EST

At least 10 killed as Israel continues operation in Jenin

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and 40 injured as Israel continues a large operation in Jenin, turning its focus to the West Bank.

Israel launched a "significant" operation to "eradicate terrorism in Jenin," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Wednesday.

"This is another step towards achieving the goal we set -- strengthening security in Judea and Samaria. We are acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms -- in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria -- and with our hands still outstretched," Netanyahu said in a statement.

Jan 21, 2025, 3:07 PM EST

4 injured in Tel Aviv stabbing attack

At least four people were injured in a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency services organization, said in a release.

Two men, ages 28 and 24, are being treated with upper-body stab wounds and are in moderate condition. Two other patients, ages 24 and 59, are in mild condition, the MDA said.

A man uses his phone as Israeli emergency services work at the scene of a suspected attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 21, 2025.
Itai Ron/Reuters

The injured are being taken to Ichilov Hospital.

The stabbing occurred on Nahalat Binyamin Street in Tel Aviv, the Israeli Police Spokesperson's Unit said. The attacker, a 28-year-old "foreign national," has been killed by police, the spokesperson's unit added.

-ABC News' Jordana Miller and Nasser Atta

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