The United States has announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, set to begin at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday. President Donald Trump declared the truce following telephone discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. He stated that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and senior military officials have been instructed to work with both parties toward achieving a lasting peace.
The ceasefire comes amid broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, particularly concerning the conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Tehran has maintained that any agreement must include a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s involvement in the wider Middle East conflict began on March 2, after the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel. In response, Israeli forces have conducted extensive airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, more than 2,000 people have been killed and over a million displaced since the escalation began.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefire announcement, describing it as a long-standing Lebanese demand pursued since the war’s outset. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed relief at the development.
Hezbollah, in a statement, emphasized that any ceasefire must be comprehensive across all Lebanese territory and must not permit Israeli forces freedom of movement. The group’s position underscores the complexity of achieving a durable resolution.
Trump indicated plans to invite both Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House, signaling continued high-level engagement in the peace process. The ceasefire is seen as a potential stepping stone toward broader negotiations aimed at stabilizing the region and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.
