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US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire on Thursday, marking a significant development in the Middle East conflict.
The truce, scheduled to begin at 5 P.M. EST (2100 GMT), follows successful phone calls between Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Trump described the phone conversations as “excellent” and confirmed that the ceasefire would last for ten days, offering a potential path to lasting peace.
In his statement on Truth Social, Trump emphasised that the ceasefire was a crucial step toward peace.
“These two leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their countries, they will formally begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 P.M. EST.”
He also disclosed that he had instructed key US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to work with both nations to ensure the ceasefire’s success.
Trump further revealed his intention to invite Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House for the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the two countries. This diplomatic breakthrough comes amid US efforts to broker a wider peace agreement, particularly involving Iran. Tehran has insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a necessary condition for a broader deal with Israel.
The ceasefire follows months of heavy conflict, which saw over 2,000 Lebanese casualties and massive displacement due to Israeli airstrikes.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, had drawn Lebanon into the conflict with attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli ground forces to enter southern Lebanon. A Hezbollah lawmaker, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, indicated that the group would “cautiously adhere” to the ceasefire as long as Israel halts its attacks.
Lebanese leaders, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, welcomed the ceasefire as a vital demand that Lebanon had pursued since the beginning of the war.
European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen also expressed relief, calling the truce “a relief” for the region.
Despite the announcement, clashes continued on the ground, particularly in southern Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes targeted infrastructure like the Qasmiyeh bridge, and fighting persisted in border towns like Bint Jbeil.
The US administration has also been in talks with Iran, although the ceasefire was not part of these discussions.
This ceasefire marks a pivotal moment in the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, offering hope for de-escalation, though much work remains to secure lasting peace in the region.
