President Donald Trump said Israel's military actions align with his wishes, as a ceasefire announced Friday appeared to hold following overnight Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The truce quieted cross-border fire that had escalated in recent days, though the underlying tensions remain unresolved.
Overnight Strikes and a Fragile Truce
Israel launched strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon late Thursday. The operation targeted what the military described as infrastructure used by the Iran-backed group. By Friday morning, both sides had agreed to a ceasefire brokered through intermediaries, and no major violations were reported in the first hours after it took effect.
The exchange marked the most serious flare-up between Israel and Hezbollah in months. Residents in northern Israel and southern Lebanon reported heavy explosions and anti-missile fire overnight. The Lebanese government condemned the strikes but confirmed it was working to maintain the ceasefire.
Trump's Endorsement
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Israel's actions are in line with his wishes, signaling continued U.S. backing for Israel's security operations. The president did not provide further details on what specific guidance he had given, but his statement reinforces the close coordination between the two governments.
The comment comes as the White House pushes for broader stability in the region. Trump has previously taken credit for brokering peace deals in the Middle East, though this latest outbreak of violence underscores the persistent volatility.
Betting Markets Point to Low Odds of an Iran Halt
On the prediction market Polymarket, traders see only a 4.5% probability that Iran will halt its nuclear or military activities in the near term. The low figure reflects widespread skepticism about any major shift in Tehran's posture, even as diplomatic channels remain open.
The market's assessment aligns with the view that Iran's strategic ambitions are unlikely to pause without significant pressure or incentives. The probability has fluctuated in recent weeks but has stayed in single digits.
For now, the ceasefire in Lebanon is the most tangible near-term development. Whether it holds will depend on both Israel and Hezbollah's next moves, as well as the Trump administration's willingness to keep mediating.
