Trump announces 10-day ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon

International

A 10-DAY ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is set to take effect Thursday, following weeks of intensified fighting involving Israeli forces and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

US President Donald Trump announced the agreement, saying the truce will begin at 5:00 PM EST (9:00 PM GMT; midnight local time).

In a report by BBC, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s participation but said troops would remain in a 10-kilometer “security zone” in southern Lebanon.

“We are there, and we are not leaving,” he stated.

Hezbollah signaled willingness to join the ceasefire but insisted on a full halt to attacks across Lebanon and restrictions on the Israeli troop movement.

The conflict, which began on March 2, has resulted in heavy casualties and widespread displacement. Lebanese authorities reported over 2,000 deaths and more than one million people displaced, with tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed.

Israeli officials, meanwhile, said Hezbollah attacks have killed two civilians and 13 soldiers.

The fighting escalated after a joint US-Israel strike on Iran, prompting Hezbollah to launch rockets into northern Israel. The group said the attacks were in retaliation for the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran welcomed the ceasefire, as discussions continued between Tehran and Washington for a possible second round of peace talks. Trump said both sides have reached initial agreements, including limits on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, but warned that failure to finalize a deal could lead to renewed fighting.

The ceasefire may be extended if negotiations progress, according to the US State Department, which also noted that Israel retains the right to act in self-defense against any threats.

Despite the agreement, tensions remain high.

Both sides continued launching strikes in the hours leading up to the truce, and key issues—including the future of Hezbollah’s weapons and Israeli troop presence—remain unresolved.

Trump said he plans to invite Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for talks, which he described as a potential step toward a broader agreement between the two nations.(Rodgelyn Morales, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)