US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Lebanon will begin a 10-day ceasefire starting Thursday at 5 p.m. EST (21:00 GMT).
In a statement posted on Truth Social, the President described the truce as a vital step toward "lasting peace" and claimed this agreement marks the tenth international conflict he has successfully mediated.
Diplomatic Breakthrough in Washington
The announcement follows a historic meeting in Washington D.C. earlier this week—the first direct diplomatic engagement between the two nations in 34 years. The talks were facilitated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Trump has now directed a high-level team, including Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Razin’ Caine, to oversee the transition from a temporary truce to a permanent settlement.
Tensions Remain Over Military Presence
Despite the agreement between President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu though some significant challenges remain on the ground:
Israeli Military Stance: Reports indicate that Israel currently has no plans to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon during this 10-day window.
Hezbollah’s Response: A senior Hezbollah source told Al Jazeera that any ceasefire is conditional on Israel halting all hostilities. The group insists that "freedom of movement" for Israeli forces within Lebanese territory is unacceptable and maintains that Lebanon retains the "right to resist" as long as the occupation continues.
Broader Regional Implications
The pause in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is seen as a critical precursor to broader peace talks. Pakistan, which is reportedly mediating between the United States and Iran, stated that stability in Lebanon is essential for ending the wider regional shadow war.
