Israel, Hezbollah clash overnight ahead of US-hosted talks

Published June 2, 2026 Updated June 2, 2026 11:27am

Israel and Hezbollah clashed overnight despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement that both sides had agreed to halt fighting ahead of US-hosted talks between Israel and Lebanon today.

The overnight clashes came after Lebanon said Hezbollah had accepted a US proposal for a “mutual cessation of attacks” after Trump said he persuaded the warring sides to de-escalate.

Under the arrangement, Israeli strikes on Dahiyeh, Beirut’s southern suburbs, would cease in exchange for Hezbollah refraining from launching attacks against Israel, according to a statement from the Lebanese embassy in Washington.

A fourth round of US-hosted direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is set for today and tomorrow. Military delegations held security talks last week.

First responders gather at the site of an Israeli strike that hit near a hospital in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on June 1, 2026. — AFP
First responders gather at the site of an Israeli strike that hit near a hospital in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on June 1, 2026. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Mixed messaging
Updated 02 Jun, 2026

Mixed messaging

It is fair to ask how these actions fit into a strategy that is supposedly aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement.
Sugar: the bitter truth
02 Jun, 2026

Sugar: the bitter truth

THEY are at it again. Politically powerful sugar mill owners are back with their demand seeking permission to export...
Uphill battle
02 Jun, 2026

Uphill battle

A DISPUTE has broken out between Karachi’s political representatives over illegal encroachments on the city’s...
Budget concerns
Updated 01 Jun, 2026

Budget concerns

Mistaking IMF compliance for sound economic management is what is driving the economy into deeper stagnation.
Gaza’s tragedy
01 Jun, 2026

Gaza’s tragedy

HISTORY may record this as one of the most brazen deceptions of our time. President Donald Trump’s so called Board...
New sports policy
01 Jun, 2026

New sports policy

BETTER sense has prevailed with a new national sports policy set to be rolled out, thus preventing a clash between...