Israel announced on Sunday the lifting of all restrictions imposed on northern border areas, marking a significant de-escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The move comes after a ceasefire agreement and a reduction in hostilities.
Restrictions Lifted on Confrontation Line
Starting at 6am on Monday, June 22, 2026, all restrictions will be lifted in the Confrontation Line area, the Israeli military said in a statement. Border communities will move to a full activity level, with no restrictions, instead of a partial activity level. This decision reflects the improved security situation following weeks of intense fighting.
Hezbollah in 'Very Difficult Position'
Israel's military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, stated that Hezbollah had suffered a severe blow and was now in a very difficult position. He made the remarks while meeting with troops in southern Lebanon. According to a military statement, Zamir said, 'Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow, and we are committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding.' He added, 'Hezbollah is in a very difficult position.'
US-Iran Talks in Switzerland
Zamir spoke as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland after signing a preliminary agreement to end the broader Middle East war. The conflict in Lebanon had threatened to derail the deal. Hezbollah pulled Lebanon into the war in early March when the Iran-backed group fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.
Ceasefire Holds Despite Earlier Clashes
Despite a new ceasefire announcement on Friday as part of the memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington, Israel and Hezbollah had continued to clash. However, there were no reports of fresh strikes in Lebanon since Saturday evening. Zamir vowed to defend the communities of northern Israel from Hezbollah rockets, saying, 'This is the purpose guiding all our efforts... The ceasefire that has been declared is fragile, and we must maintain a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations.'
Israeli Forces Maintain Security Zone
Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces had standing orders to act against any threat inside Lebanon and insisted they would remain in the so-called security zone established within Lebanese territory. Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters engaged in fierce clashes this week, with Lebanese officials reporting dozens of people killed and the Israeli military reporting five of its own soldiers dead.
Fresh Strikes Kill Seven Before Ceasefire
Late Saturday, Lebanon's health ministry said that fresh Israeli strikes in the south and east of the country had killed seven people. Five people, including a woman and child, were killed in the east of the country, and two Palestinians were killed in the southern Tyr region, said the ministry.
