U.S. Envoy Heads to Switzerland After Lebanon Cease-Fire

m. Friday in Lebanon after an exchange of fire. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the agreement with assistance from Iran, a senior U.S. official said. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes after midnight killed 47 people and wounded 97.

The Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in an incident in Lebanon.

The truce followed a 14-point memorandum signed earlier this week that halted fighting and set a 60-day period to address disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. Two sources from Hezbollah and a senior Israeli official confirmed the cease-fire to Reuters.

The Israeli official said Israel would keep forces in southern Lebanon. m.

U.S. Envoy Travels to Switzerland U.S.

Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is traveling to Switzerland to join Jared Kushner, who is already there, Axios reported. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi plans to arrive Saturday. Vice President JD Vance canceled plans to attend the talks amid rising tension before the cease-fire.

The Swiss foreign ministry said the talks had been postponed but that preparatory work continues. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the latest Israeli attacks but said the escalation would not hinder efforts to reach a comprehensive cease-fire.

The interim deal requires the United States, Iran and their allies to declare an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Israel says it is not party to the deal. The body managing the Strait of Hormuz said it would waive planned fees during the negotiation period.

Brent crude ticked higher Friday but was set for a weekly decline of about 8 percent after the cease-fire. It also provides for a $300-billion reconstruction fund for Iran.