June 19, 2026/

Israel-Hezbollah agree to ceasefire, U.S. official says

Spread the love

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday, a U.S. official confirmed to The Center Square.

Overnight, 18 people were killed in Lebanon amid strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanon Health Ministry said. Four Israeli soldiers were also killed, according to the Israeli military.

A U.S. official confirmed on background that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to the ceasefire. The overnight attacks, first by Hezbollah and countered by Israel, appeared to stall peace talks between the United States and Iran.

Vice President JD Vance delayed a planned trip to Switzerland that was set to include discussions of Iran’s nuclear program. The first article in a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. calls for an end to the fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

The memorandum sets out a 60-day ceasefire for negotiations to continue on the future of Iran’s nuclear program, and set up a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously vowed to retaliate after the four Israeli soliders were killed.

“Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as required to protect the settlements in the north,” Netanyahu said before the ceasefire was announced. The terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire are unclear. The ceasefire’s effect in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran is also unclear.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. The ship named Touska was intercepted in the...

Everyday Economics: Retail sales and housing suggest a resilient consumer

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week, the focus shifts to the consumer, with March retail sales and the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales report. Both reports are...
Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

By Dan McCaleb and Darren SvanThe Center Square Eight children were killed early Sunday in domestic-related shootings at three Shreveport homes, authorities said. Shreveport Police Department spokesman and public affairs...
Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve...
Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will begin its final oral arguments sitting of the current term on Monday. The justices will hear several high profile arguments...
U.S., Iran to resume talks; Trump issues dire threat

U.S., Iran to resume talks; Trump issues dire threat

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Talks to strike a deal with Iran will reconvene this week ahead of Wednesday’s ceasefire expiration as President Donald Trump issued fresh threats Sunday on...
Trump admin seeks health-care price transparency

Trump admin seeks health-care price transparency

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Taxpayer advocates are applauding the Trump administration over its efforts calling for medical price transparency in federal employee health-care plans while health-care industry leaders are...
Energy industry celebrates Supreme Court ruling in favor of Chevron

Energy industry celebrates Supreme Court ruling in favor of Chevron

By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Chevron is being celebrated by the energy industry, but it does not end Louisiana’s coastal litigation. The...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Massive Fourth Inning Powers Casey-Westfield Past North Central 13-4

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team utilized an eight-run explosion in the fourth inning to break open a tightly contested game, ultimately cruising to a 13-4 non-conference road victory over North...
Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths

Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-Woodstock, says too many deaths initially ruled as suicides may actually be...
Analysis: Homelessness predicted to rise despite policy efforts

Analysis: Homelessness predicted to rise despite policy efforts

By Emily RodriguezThe Center Square Homelessness is predicted to rise, while policies predicted to lower the homeless numbers only address part of the cause, according to analysts. The annual Point-In-Time...
Bachelor’s at Illinois community colleges may widen access, affordability

Bachelor’s at Illinois community colleges may widen access, affordability

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Community colleges in Illinois could soon offer Bachelor’s degree programs to Illinois residents. Officials, lawmakers and students...
Iran reverses course, closes Strait of Hormuz

Iran reverses course, closes Strait of Hormuz

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Less than 24 hours after Iran and President Donald Trump touted the Strait of Hormuz open, the Islamic Republic has reportedly reversed course, closing the...
Los Angeles school district seeks state's money for pay hikes

Los Angeles school district seeks state’s money for pay hikes

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square The Center Square) - The Los Angeles Unified School District managed to avoid a strike this week after reaching 11th-hour agreements with three unions. Now...
Congress kicks off government funding process for 2027

Congress kicks off government funding process for 2027

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Six months out from fiscal year 2027, U.S. lawmakers are making progress on the annual 12 appropriations bills that will fund the federal government. The...