New Lebanon ceasefire mechanism excludes Israel, brings in Qatar, Iran and Pakistan

Qatar and Pakistan announced overnight a new five-country “cell” to preserve the ceasefire in Lebanon, replacing the mechanism set up under the November 2024 truce. The new framework includes the United States, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar and Lebanon, while Israel is not a direct participant.

The arrangement was unveiled in a joint official post by Qatar and Pakistan on X. Its details and division of powers are still unclear, but the composition marks a sharp shift from the previous mechanism, which included Israel, Lebanon, France, the United States and UNIFIL. Israeli officials say that earlier framework did not work as intended.

Iran welcomed the new setup. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Pakistan and Qatar’s “unrelenting mediation” had produced “significant progress toward ending the war in Lebanon,” and called the “first real test” of Tehran-Washington contacts the “conflict-prevention cell in Lebanon.” Lebanese broadcaster LBC reported that President Joseph Aoun voiced support for the mechanism in talks with Qatari and American officials. It also said Qatar is expected to mediate between Beirut, Tehran and Washington, while the United States will coordinate with Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that the Israel Defense Forces would keep full freedom of action in southern Lebanon. “My directive and the defense minister’s to the IDF is clear and has not changed,” he said in a video statement. “Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to northern residents. The IDF has no restriction in this matter.” He added that Israel would remain in the security buffer zone in southern Lebanon “as long as necessary” to protect northern residents and all Israeli citizens, and said he fully backs forces operating there. The previous mechanism was meant to help the Lebanese army, with UNIFIL support, curb Hezbollah’s armament and ceasefire violations, but Israel said Beirut was not enforcing the deal adequately.