A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been renewed following a recent escalation in violence, though Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon. The truce was brokered by the United States and Qatar, notably through communication with Tehran, acknowledging Iran’s significant influence over Hezbollah – a dynamic that bypassed direct negotiations with the Lebanese government. The flare-up resulted in the deaths of 47 Lebanese citizens, triggered by the killing of four Israeli troops. This indirect negotiation route highlights the complexities of regional diplomacy and the limitations of relying solely on Beirut for mediation. The US and Qatar leveraged Iran’s sway to de-escalate the situation and secure the ceasefire. The continued presence of the IDF in southern Lebanon remains a point of contention.